21-6-2023 (SINGAPORE) In a significant crackdown on cigarette smuggling, a Singaporean man and a Chinese national were apprehended last Friday for their alleged involvement in evading duty and Goods and Services Tax (GST) amounting to approximately $231,730.
Singapore Customs conducted two operations, one in Jalan Boon Lay and another in Senang Crescent, Kembangan, resulting in the seizure of 2,165 cartons of duty-unpaid cigarettes.
During the operation in Jalan Boon Lay, customs officers observed a 47-year-old Singaporean man opening the side compartment of a van in a carpark, while a 27-year-old Chinese national stood nearby. Upon inspection, authorities discovered 700 cartons of duty-unpaid cigarettes inside the van. Additionally, 15 cartons and $4,000 in cash were found in the possession of the younger man, leading to the arrest of both individuals.
Subsequent investigations revealed that the Singaporean man was allegedly responsible for collecting the duty-unpaid cigarettes from an industrial unit in Senang Crescent, while the Chinese national was tasked with delivering them. In a follow-up operation at the said industrial unit, Singapore Customs officers discovered an additional 1,450 cartons of duty-unpaid cigarettes. The van and the cash suspected to be associated with the illicit transactions involving the cigarettes were seized.
The estimated amount of duty and GST evaded by the two individuals is approximately $212,600 and $19,130, respectively. Court proceedings related to the case are currently ongoing.
Individuals found guilty of purchasing, selling, conveying, delivering, storing, keeping, possessing, or dealing with duty-unpaid goods can face penalties of up to 40 times the amount of duty and GST evaded, a maximum imprisonment term of six years, or both. Furthermore, vehicles used in the commission of such offenses and the proceeds from the sale of duty-unpaid cigarettes can be subject to confiscation under the authority of Singapore Customs.
