Two Koreans charged for “illegal” importation

CEBU, Philippines - The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) 7 charged two Korean nationals for allegedly selling illegally imported cars.

The owner of KJ Motors Supply Yang Seung Joon and  Kim Ill Young, the shop’s mechanic consultant, were arrested in a raid after they failed to present documents to prove that the importation of the Korean cars they are selling was legal.

At 2 p.m. Tuesday, KJ Motors at 222 P. Burgos St., Alang-alang, Mandaue City was raided by the NBI by virtue of a search warrant issued by Judge Teresita Galanida.

Seized were 23 used Korean vehicles amounting to P10 million that include three Sta Fe, three Kia Sorento, one Kia Vesto, one Ssanyong Kurando, two Hyundai Trajet, three Starex vans, two Kia x-Trek, one Hyundai Feraca, two Kia Carnival, one Carens and four Sportage.

Joon is married to a Filipina.

The NBI report states that the conduct of the search was peaceful and orderly  and  was witnessed by barangay officials and the two Korean nationals.

The two suspects failed to present certificate of registration, custom payment and other documents to the raiding team.

NBI 7 Regional Director Edward Villarta said the suspects also misdeclared the vehicles in the bill of lading as spare parts.

.During the inquest proceedings yesterday, the two Koreans assisted by lawyer Richard Bauzon chose not to file counter affidavits and manifested their intention to post bail for their temporary liberty.

The Koreans denied that they have no certification and did not pay their payments before the Bureau of Customs.

When asked to produce a certification from BOC, Joon told Prosecutor Wilfredo Panganduyon that it is with the broker.

Bauzon said they will be filing a motion to quash the search warrant.

He claimed that the NBI agents have no direct information and prior knowledge before the implementation of  the search warrant.

They also did not coordinate with the Bureau of Customs considering that the matter involves importation. — Mylen P. Manto/MBG

The facing complaints for a violation of the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines. (FREEMAN)