Lusaka, Tuesday, November 26, 2024
In a recent operation, the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) intercepted a fraudulent shipment falsely declared as containing shoe soles, glue, and shoe heels. However, upon physical inspection, authorities discovered that the truck was actually transporting undeclared shoes and slippers. Specifically, the shipment contained 1,295 boxes of slippers and 348 boxes of shoes, amounting to a total of 46,620 pairs of slippers and 8,280 pairs of shoes.
The company behind the fraudulent declaration, Dronewave Investments Limited, attempted to evade customs duties by under-declaring the contents of the shipment, resulting in a revenue loss of K215,000 to the Zambian government.
The ZRA has issued a strong warning to importers and agents involved in such illicit activities, stating that they will face severe penalties, including hefty fines and potential prosecution. Additionally, agents found to be participating in these schemes risk having their licenses revoked.
The Authority emphasized its commitment to cracking down on smuggling and illicit trade. ZRA officers remain on high alert, focusing on uncovering various tax fraud schemes to enhance tax compliance. The public is encouraged to report any individuals involved in smuggling or tax evasion activities, in support of the government’s efforts to protect legitimate businesses and ensure fair competition.
Taxpayers are urged to comply with tax laws to avoid punitive enforcement measures, including prosecution.
