Customs Raid KimStore for Fraudulent Devices
An estimated millions-worth of gadgets were sequestered by the Bureau of Customs in a warehouse of the popular KimStore Online shop on January 30.
According to Customs Intelligence and Investigation (CIIS) Officer Joel Pinawin, upon the inspection at the building in Lakandula Street, Tondo, Manila, there were no legal documents presented to the authorities to operate, which is why they have to take over the place.
The owner was identified as “Francis”, a Filipino-Chinese businessman who is known for trading in unlicensed products online.
The confiscated high-end gadgets includes cameras, smartphones, audio players and accessories as well as some safety and security equipment.
CIIS Director Neil Estrella said in a press release,
”There are plenty of cases that high-end communication and electronic gadgets are smuggled into the country through misdeclaration schemes, a top form of smuggling, used by smugglers to defraud and avoid paying correct duties and taxes to the government.”
Customs commissioner Nicanor Faeldon said that the raid in warehouses, storehouses, and depots will persist under his watch.
KimStore is one of the biggest online shops for gadgets which offers products in a more affordable price. Its facebook page has more than 1.5 million followers.
The online shop’s website is still accessible but its depository is already under the CIIS agents’ supervision.
