State Finance Minister baffled by Customs’ Hummer auction

Illegal importer buys vehicle below estimated price

State Finance Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya has alleged that an illegally imported SUV Hummer, that had been confiscated early this year, was sold to the errant importer, in violation of Customs regulations.

The Finance Ministry, in a statement issued yesterday (05), pointed out the Treasury had been deprived of the much-needed revenue at an extremely difficult time.

State Minister Siyambalapitiya said that the government was trying to increase revenue by Rs 400 bn.

The Ministry said that the Customs had detected four illegally imported vehicles, including the Hummer, on Feb 28, 2022. Of those vehicles, three had been auctioned, in keeping with the Customs regulations, at no loss to the Treasury. However, the Hummer had been disposed of in a controversial manner and when inquiries were made, Customs hadn’t been able to explain the procedures followed.

Although the vehicle was estimated at Rs. 40 mn, the Customs released it for the payment of Rs 27.7 mn at 33.75 percent lower than the estimated value.

The Ministry has called for a report from the Customs in this regard

(SF)