Customs has always developed an active policy aimed at identifying, locating, safeguarding and confiscating illicit goods and funds. Regarding this, official sources reported today (06.07.2023) that, thanks to the joint work between Customs and Justice, payment for goods has been recovered USD 800 million produced by smuggling crimes, preventing them from being used to finance future criminal activities or incorporated into the formal economy.
"The criminal proceedings, which have been going on for more than 20 years, have come to an end, as the accused have paid the full compensation for damages provided for in the Criminal Code, amounting to approximately 800 thousand dollars," the Customs statement said.
This happened in the case entitled “PUCHE Raúl, GADALETA Ignacio and others s/ Violation of Law 22.415” No. 1477/2010, which was being processed before the Oral Economic Criminal Court No. 3″. The case was based on various cases of smuggling, mainly under-invoicing with false documentation.
The Customs Office stated that the reported maneuvers had involved DVD players, computer supplies, auto parts and automotive spare parts, among others. The Customs Office's legal actions - which began with a complaint of under-invoicing and, over the course of 20 years, accumulated no less than 18 cases - pointed to substitution of the importing entity and improper use of tax benefits to avoid paying import duties.
The agency also said that after two decades of litigation and with the risk that the defendants would not serve their sentences - given their advanced age and the procedural appeals they could file - with the agreement of all parties (including the Public Prosecutor's Office, which had a relevant role in the process, and the complaint) the full reparation of the damage was accepted, achieving the recovery of significant sums of money for the National State.
In this regard, this work tool was highlighted, which follows modern instruments for alternative conflict resolution in the criminal field.
In this regard, and having complied with all procedural steps, the same official source indicated that "the Third Economic Criminal Court ordered the transfer of funds to the account of the General Directorate of Customs-AFIP."
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