6 men, Vietnamese nationals aged 20-38, arrested in S'pore for buying duty-unpaid cigarettes from online platforms

The Singapore Customs has arrested six male Vietnamese nationals, aged between 20 and 38, for allegedly buying duty-unpaid cigarettes.

They were arrested during a two-week islandwide operation that began on Mar. 17, Singapore Customs said in a Facebook post on Apr. 17.

They comprised a student pass holder, S-Pass holders, and work permit holders.

Investigations revealed that the duty-unpaid cigarettes were allegedly ordered from Vietnam via social media platforms and shipped to Singapore for delivery to the buyers.

More than 98 cartons of duty-unpaid cigarettes were seized during the operation.

The total duty and Goods and Services Tax (GST) evaded amounted to about S$13,000.

Three of the offenders have been charged in the State Courts.

The other three individuals are under investigation.

The Singapore Customs reminded members of the public that buying, selling, storing or consuming duty-unpaid cigarettes is illegal.

The offence carries a fine of up to 40 times the amount of duty and GST evaded, a jail term of up to six years, or both.

Foreign students and workers may also have their student or work passes revoked.

Singapore Customs also advised members of the public to report illegal activities at https://go.gov.sg/reportcustomsoffence.

Police investigations are ongoing.

Photos from Singapore Customs Facebook and Unsplash