Belarus’ State Customs Committee has announced the opening of criminal cases related to a grey scheme for importing electric vehicles. The cases are being investigated under Part 2 of Article 231 of the Criminal Code.
According to customs authorities, the participants in the scheme established a legal entity and organized the cross-border import of vehicles for subsequent resale. The vehicles were imported under the guise of goods for personal use. By declaring the imports in the names of private individuals, the participants reduced customs duties as well as the recycling fee, which is significantly higher for legal entities than for individuals.
According to customs authorities, about 300 electric vehicles and hybrid cars were imported into Belarus under the scheme. Up to 60,000 Belarusian rubles in duties and fees were allegedly underpaid for each vehicle. The total damage is estimated at about 10 million Belarusian rubles.
Customs authorities said they had identified storage locations and seized more than 100 Li, Voyah and Zeekr vehicles worth more than 11 million Belarusian rubles.
