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Fake customs employees allegedly charged high facilitation fees from a vessel at a crew change facility
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) is warning stakeholders against unscrupulous individuals pretending to be Customs employees at a crew change facility, who charge unauthorized fees and issue fake receipts to mariners and ship owners.
BOC in a statement said it received a report that individuals claiming to be Customs officers allegedly charged excessive facilitation fees from a vessel, adding it referred the matter to its Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service for investigation.
Verification indicated the alleged Customs officers were not in any way connected to the customs bureau, whether as a regular or contractual employee, said BOC.
The agency reminded traders and the public to be vigilant and transact only with its authorized personnel who issue official receipts.
The bureau said it will continue to investigate this incident and will file criminal charges against those responsible. It will also continue to coordinate with concerned agencies to strengthen measures against fraudulent activities to prevent similar incidents in the future.
