The Bureau of Customs (BOC), led by Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno, today (June 19) filed the second batch of criminal complaints before the Department of Justice (DOJ) against five cargo forwarding firms implicated in fraudulent balikbayan box operations, as part of the agency’s intensified campaign to hold unscrupulous cargo operators accountable.
BOC said the complaints were filed against Ikthus Trading Corporation, Marcelo D. Laylo Cargo Forwarders, Me Amoree International Consumer Goods Trading, MT De Guzman Non-Specialized Wholesale Trading, and Cargoflex Haulers Corporation for various violations of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) and other applicable laws.
The cases involve a total of 3,176 abandoned balikbayan boxes discovered in several ports nationwide. Investigations conducted by the Bureau uncovered alleged schemes involving fraudulent misdeclaration and undervaluation of goods, unauthorized deconsolidation activities, outright smuggling, non-declaration of commercial goods, importation of prohibited and regulated items, and intellectual property rights violations.
The filing follows the Bureau’s first batch of criminal complaints lodged on 29 May 2026 against Makati Express Cargo, Inc., with cases initiated by the Ports of Cebu, Davao, and the Manila International Container Port. Together, these actions form part of a broader enforcement initiative targeting cargo firms that exploit the balikbayan box system and undermine the trust of OFWs and their families.
Commissioner Nepomuceno said the Bureau remains committed to pursuing all individuals and entities found responsible for violations of customs and other relevant laws.
“The second batch of these cases demonstrates our determination to hold law violators accountable. We will not stop investigating, building cases, and filing the appropriate complaints against cargo operators involved in deception and other fraudulent activities that harm our Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families,” said Commissioner Nepomuceno in the local language.
The Bureau emphasized that the filing of these complaints is only part of its ongoing enforcement efforts. Several other cases involving suspected violations by cargo forwarding firms are currently under investigation and case build-up, with additional complaints expected to be filed as evidence is gathered and evaluated.
Apart from criminal prosecution, the BOC continues to implement reforms aimed at strengthening oversight of cargo consolidators and deconsolidators, improving assistance mechanisms for OFWs, and enhancing coordination with partner agencies in addressing complaints involving delayed, abandoned, or mishandled balikbayan box shipments.
