Customs alleges fraudulent documents were used to bring aluminium car wheels without paying anti-dumping duties
The Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (ACBPS) has commenced a prosecution against the Koya Corporation, which offers specialist wheels for car enthusiasts.
Three people associated with an unnamed freight forwarding company have also been targeted.
The ACBPS alleges Koya imported sets of aluminium road wheels without paying the appropriate anti-dumping duty. It says the company used fraudulent documents to hide the true origin of the goods and obtain that financial advantage.
It says the charges relate to multiple importations, indicating a systematic approach was taken to avoid the duties.
The three people associated with the Australian-based freight forwarder have been charged with aiding, abetting, counselling, or procuring for the importer.
A spokesperson for the service says cooperation across different parts of the supply chain made the scam a serious one.
“While the value of the evaded revenue in this instance was at the lower end of the scale, the alleged involvement of individuals working within the supply chain increases the seriousness of the matter,” he tells ATN.
“We will continue to target unscrupulous individuals and fraud facilitation networks seeking to undermine Australia’s competitiveness by circumventing trade laws.
“Dishonest business practices have no place here.”
The charges command a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment for the individuals involved.