DOJ files P5.7-B tax case vs 5 Chinese

(UPDATE) THE Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed a P5.7-billion tax evasion case against five Chinese linked to the large-scale smuggling of cigarettes uncovered during a joint operation by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in Valenzuela and Bulacan last November.

The Office of the City Prosecutor of Valenzuela found sufficient evidence to support the BIR's complaint, leading to the formal filing of charges before the Court of Tax Appeals (CTA) on March 13, 2025.

The accused face violations of Section 258 (Unlawful Pursuit of Business) in relation to Section 236, and Section 263 (Unlawful Possession of Articles Subject to Excise Tax Without Payment of the Tax) under the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended.

Authorities seized 21,000 master cases of untaxed cigarettes during raids conducted on Nov. 6 and 7, 2024, with the BIR estimating the total tax liability of the accused at P5,764,761,450.

Following the filing of charges, warrants for the arrest of the five suspects are expected to be issued at the earliest possible time.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla commended the BIR for its aggressive campaign against illicit cigarettes, emphasizing that the case demonstrates the government's commitment to protecting the economy from financial crimes.

Remulla also urged continued efforts to crack down on similar offenses, assuring the public that the DOJ would provide full legal support.