MANILA — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has intensified its crackdown on luxury car smuggling, issuing a warning to the registered owner of a smuggled Bugatti Chiron Super Sport. Commissioner Bien Rubio announced on Saturday the agency's commitment to locating Thu Thrang Nguyen, who is allegedly linked to the ownership of a blue Bugatti Chiron with the plate number NIM 5448. "Surrender, or you will face the consequences. We already have the information on the location of the car, but we are still verifying this," Rubio stated, urging the owner to follow the example of the owner of a red Bugatti, which was surrendered to authorities the previous day.
According to Philippines News Agency, the red Bugatti Chiron, bearing the plate number NIM 5450 and registered to Menguin Zhu, was handed over to the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service at the Manila International Container Port (CIIS-MICP). The luxury vehicle was retrieved from a residence within the affluent Ayala Alabang Village in Muntinlupa City. Verne Enciso, the Director of CIIS, emphasized the ongoing efforts to track down the second smuggled vehicle. "To the owner of the blue Bugatti, I promise that we will find you. A sports car like this attracts attention on the road. With the promise of a cash reward, we expect to receive information as soon as you drive your car on the road. It's going to be a small world from now on," Enciso warned.
The BOC's public appeal regarding the two Bugatti Chiron cars came after confirming that both vehicles lacked the necessary importation documents. Under Section 1512 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) and Customs Administrative Order 03-2022, informants leading to the discovery of smuggled goods are eligible for a cash reward equivalent to 20 percent of the actual revenue collected. The owners of the Bugatti Chiron cars risk facing legal charges for violating provisions of the CMTA, highlighting the government's strict stance against smuggling and its efforts to ensure compliance with national regulations.