Moroccan Customs Uncovers $8 Million Tax Fraud Scheme Involving 57 Companies

In total, 57 companies that have imported goods under the temporary admission regime are involved in this tax fraud on goods whose total value is estimated at 80 million dirhams, reports the Arabic-language daily Assabah. This regime allows operators to import goods intended for processing free of duties and taxes, provided that these products are re-exported. Customs inspectors found that these companies were reselling the imported goods on the local market and making undue profits. The investigation by the customs administration shows that the value of imports far exceeds that of exports. A portion of the duty-free imports has therefore not been processed. It was resold on the local market in violation of the law.

An audit of the companies involved is underway. It will have to determine the amount of fraudulently acquired exemptions. For its part, the National Brigade of the Judicial Police (BNPJ) is conducting investigations in the warehouses of the companies involved in customs fraud, to determine the quantities of goods imported and their use. If the facts are confirmed, the companies flagged will have to pay fines and late penalties and repay the amounts of customs duty exemptions they have benefited from.