Federal Revenue carries out anti-smuggling operation in Av. Paulista

Operation Anubis served 12 arrest warrants in the morning of this Tuesday (10/14) issued by the Federal Justice in order to inspect boxes, stores and adjacent warehouses in one of the malls and popular galleries in the Avenida Paulista region. The operation had the participation of over 100 public agents from the Secretariat of the Federal Revenue of Brazil and the Sao Paulo State Revenue Office (SEFAZ/SP) as well as the Military and Federal Polices. The search warrants authorize the Federal Revenue official to search and seize any goods without a corresponding tax receipt or whose regular import is not dully proved.

By Court decision, they also have the authority to retain computer equipments and tax documentation found at the site.

During the whole inspection, tax auditors and agents will rely on logistic support from vehicles equipped for anti-smuggling, anti-embezzlement and anti-piracy actions.

One hundred and fifty boxes containing foreign merchandise worth R$ 350,000 with smuggling evidence were retained. Among the products, there were electronic and computer material, watches, perfumes, glasses and sneakers. 

The shop owners will have 5 business days to submit the corresponding documentation. In case they fail to do so, they will lose the merchandise and will be subject to other tax and criminal penalties. 

The retained merchandise whose legal origin cannot be proved will have the following destinations: donation to charity institutions, auction or destruction (in case of counterfeited products).