Mozambique makes record seizure of smuggled cell phones

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Mozambique makes record seizure of smuggled cell phones

2:00 CAT | 31 May 2022

FILE - For illustration purposes only. [File photo: Lusa]

Mozambican authorities yesterday announced the biggest seizure of mobile phones this year, after intercepting a container with more than 60,000 devices and other equipment smuggled in the port of Nacala, Nampula province northern Mozambique.

Investigation teams “detected and seized a total of 60,990 mobile phones”, the “biggest seizure” recorded this year, João Saltiel, director of customs in Nacala, told reporters.

The “undeclared goods” were found on Thursday in a container from China declaring Nampula province as its final destination, he said, adding that the container also contained laptop computers, toasters, domestic irons and other items.

“Our teams have their eye on customs control. It would be very difficult [for goods] to pass through without being detected,” Saltiel said, highlighting the strengthening of controls at the port of Nacala.

According to the authorities, if the goods had left the port, the Mozambican state would have lost around 16 million meticais (€233,000).

On 10 May, the Mozambican Tax Authority (AT) announced the seizure of 19,000 mobile phones that were being removed from a warehouse in Maputo. According to the AT, the mobile phones were being transported in 250 hidden boxes and were seized due to the lack of proof-of-import documents, false declarations and under-invoicing.

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The Mozambican authorities recognise that the country has a high rate of tax evasion, and regularly and publicly present goods seized in tax evasion raids.

Source: Lusa