A Customs officer checks a cargo of imported goods. PHOTO/CUSTOMS
The state is owed over MVR 7.6 million in fines from businesses that fraudulently change prices of imported goods to evade taxes and custom duties, an Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) report has revealed.
According to the report published by the anti-graft watchdog, in 2012 – 2015, Maldives Customs Service reported 246 cases of local businesses changing prices of imported goods to evade various dues.
Further, the report said that 20 businesses were initially warned to pay the due fines and were temporarily cut off from Customs’ services.
However, the majority of these businesses had settled the fines with the exception of six companies, who still collectively owe MVR 7.6 million to the state.
ACC’s report also revealed that in 2012 – 2014, 174 cases of potential fraud were dismissed due to insufficient evidence to make a case.
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