According to comprehensive news from Mexico’s Economist and Financier on the 24th, Mexico’s Federal Tax Administration recently cooperated with financial intelligence agencies, private companies and prosecutors to discover an international textile smuggling network involving 219 entities. Anti-money laundering laws and fiscal and financial reforms provide the basis for combating illegal trade.
According to relevant officials from the State Administration of Taxation, since July 2013, relevant departments of the Mexican government have conducted a one-year investigation to identify criminal channels, involving 31 importers, 53 foreign suppliers, and 22 customs agents. , 113 disguised companies.
The 53 foreign suppliers are mainly in China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Panama, Virgin Islands, South Korea, and a small number in the United States. Importers declare goods at a price lower than the market price when making customs declarations in order to pay less tax. 22 customs agents participated in the declaration procedures. After these goods are imported, they are sold on the market at real prices, and the profits are remitted abroad. There are three main destinations: manufacturers in Asia; accounts of Mexican importers in the United States and Panama; and accounts of organized crime groups.
Officials from the State Administration of Taxation said that 70% of imported textiles and 49% of clothing products were imported by 18 inspection-free companies. The main import ports include: Manzanillo, Lazaro, Juarez, Veracruz, and Mexico City Airport and Nuevo Lalero.
Thirty-one importers declared a price of 216 million pesos, which was only 1/7 of the normal price, resulting in a customs tax loss of 1.5 billion pesos.
Mexican Finance Minister Videgaray said that in the next few weeks, similar protective measures for the footwear industry will be announced, customs restrictions will be implemented, and customs tax reductions will be cancelled.
In 2010, the Mexican Tax Administration took similar measures to crack down on tax evasion, conducting 22 investigations involving a total suspected amount of 14.6 billion pesos.
