Manipulation of Cargo Descriptions Detected at Trebil Border Crossing Saving 410 Million Dinars

The Border Ports Authority announced the detection of manipulation in cargo descriptions at the Trebil border crossing, preventing a financial loss exceeding 410 million dinars. This followed a surprise visit by the Authority's head, Lieutenant General Omar Adnan Al-Waeli, who conducted direct field follow-up to implement the Prime Minister’s directives and enhance oversight on cargo descriptions to prevent customs duty manipulation. Four trucks were identified and seized for altering cargo descriptions to reduce payable customs fees. Three trucks carrying electrical cables were reclassified as 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's cargo was listed as straw or feed balers, but technical inspection revealed it contained packaging machinery. This affected customs duty calculations, which are based on weight in tons rather than quantity, along with manipulation of the declared dollar value, causing a customs fee discrepancy of 44 million dinars. The Authority stated that the total amount of prevented financial loss 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 Trebil customs center director, with transactions processed through the ASYCUDA system. The visit also included a broad meeting with representatives of departments operating at the crossing to discuss workflow mechanisms and overcome obstacles, alongside an inspection tour of the crossing’s facilities and infrastructure. The Authority’s head also monitored the regulation of empty truck entries to streamline procedures and reduce waiting times, with approximately 1,000 trucks entering daily, reflecting the volume of commercial activity and transport between Iraq and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. He met with several truck drivers to hear directly about their needs and challenges, affirming the Authority’s commitment to facilitating smooth transport and trade flow according to applicable regulations and instructions. The Authority confirmed the continuation of its rigorous field oversight approach, maintaining strict measures to protect public funds, maximize non-oil revenues, strengthen control over border crossings, and facilitate trade movement while simplifying procedures.