Authority Detects Goods Description Fraud at Tarbil Crossing Preventing Millions in Losses

The Border Crossings Authority announced the detection of fraud in goods descriptions at the Tarbil border crossing, preventing losses exceeding 410 million Iraqi dinars. This came during a surprise visit by the Authority's head, General Omar Adnan Al-Waeli, aimed at enhancing oversight of goods descriptions and preventing manipulation of customs duties, where four trucks were found to have altered goods descriptions to reduce payable fees. Three trucks carrying electrical cables had their customs descriptions changed to copper wires less than 6 mm, resulting in a customs fee difference of 122 million dinars per truck, totaling 366 million dinars. The fourth truck was declared as carrying straw or fodder balers, but technical inspection revealed the actual goods to be packaging machines, which are charged based on weight per ton rather than quantity, along with manipulation of the dollar value of the goods, causing a customs fee difference of 44 million dinars. The Authority confirmed that the total amount of prevented losses exceeded 410 million dinars, emphasizing the importance of field presence and technical scrutiny in uncovering attempts to manipulate customs descriptions and preventing exploitation of loopholes for illicit gains at the expense of public funds. Legal procedures were taken following a decision by the competent investigative judge and in the presence of the Tarbil customs center director, with transactions processed through the ASYCUDA system. The visit included a broad meeting with representatives of the departments operating at the crossing to discuss workflow and overcome obstacles, as well as an inspection tour to review infrastructure and service levels. The Authority's head also monitored the process of empty trucks entering the crossing, directing the organization of their flow and simplifying entry procedures to reduce waiting times and ease burdens on drivers, with about 1,000 trucks entering daily, reflecting the volume of commercial activity and transport between Iraq and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Al-Waeli listened to the drivers' needs and challenges, affirming the Authority's commitment to facilitating smooth transport and trade exchange in accordance with applicable regulations and instructions. The Authority confirmed its continued supervisory and field approach, maintaining firm measures to protect public funds, maximize non-oil revenues, tighten control over border crossings, and facilitate trade movement and simplify procedures.