The Department of Justice reports that it is seeking nearly $300,000 in import duties and almost $800,000 in penalties in a civil lawsuit alleging that the former vice president of a U.S. importer made false statements to U.S. officials to avoid paying applicable import tariffs and antidumping and countervailing duties. According to a DOJ press release, the complaint conts that the man caused his company to falsely classify the solar panels imported from China as LED lights, negligently misrepresented the panels?value, and failed to identify the proper AD and CV duty rates applicable to the panels. The DOJ notes that it maintains a Trade Fraud Task Force that partners with U.S. Customs and Border Protection and other law enforcement agencies to combat trade fraud, including the avoidance of import duties, and ensure compliance with U.S. trade laws. This particular case was investigated by CBP? Electronics Center of Excellence and Expertise before being referred to the DOJ.
