BOC, OMB seize P75-M antivirus software

MANILA, Philippines - The Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Optical Media Board (OMB) said yesterday they foiled an attempt to smuggle P75 million worth of antivirus software at the Manila International Container Port (MICP).

BOC Commissioner Rufino Biazon said they confiscated 18,000 units of Kaspersky Internet Security 2012 software that arrived at the MICP from Malaysia on Nov. 5.

The shipment was misdeclared as ordinary compact disc kit cleaners and CD plastic cases with a declared value of $7,095.70 (approximately P305,115.10) and an assessed tax value of only P100,367 when the actual import value based on Kaspersky’s published online rates was $599,598.12 (approximately P25,782,719.20).

The shipment is also not covered by an import permit from the OMB, officials said.

OMB executive director Ronnie Ricketts said they received a tip about the arrival of the illegal shipment and had it placed under surveillance five or six months ago.

“These are top of the line antivirus software for computers. They cost between P3,000 to P7,000 apiece,” he said.

The next step, Biazon said, is to confirm the legitimacy of consignee Plinth Enterprises, which has an office address at Trinity Building on T.M. Kalaw street in Ermita, Manila. He said they will also check on the customs brokers who aided the delivery of the shipment.

BOC-MICP District Collector Ricardo Belmonte hopes that the seizure of the computer software would send a strong signal to smugglers, that the BOC, particularly the MICP, is serious in its anti-smuggling campaign.

The seized items would be turned over to the OMB. Ricketts said the software could be distributed to government agencies and public schools so they could protect the important files stored in their computers. Another option is that they could be auctioned off to help raise the bureau’s revenue collection.