BIR files 8.7B Tax Evasion Cases against multiple Large-Scale Illicit Vape Businesses

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The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), headed by Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui, Jr. filed before the Department of Justice (DOJ) criminal charges against illicit vape businesses bearing the brand names Flava, Denkat and Flare, for evading Php8,681,028,850.82 in taxes. The charges were filed the morning of April 29, 2025.

"Today, the BIR has filed criminal cases for tax evasion against large-scale illicit vape businesses. They have failed to pay 8.7 Billion pesos in taxes. We have warned all those who want to enter the vape industry to register with the BIR and pay proper taxes. This is what happens when you keep violating our tax laws." Commissioner Lumagui stated.

The criminal charges include unlawful possession of vape products without payment of excise tax under Section 263, tax evasion under Section 254, failure to file excise tax returns under Section 255, all in violation of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended.  The recovery of deficiency excise taxes and penalties which have not been paid by the illicit vape traders amounting to almost 9 Billion Pesos are included in the criminal charges filed by the BIR.

"Expect more criminal cases to be filed against illicit vape traders. Whether your business is large or small, as long you sell illicit vape, you will be imprisoned. Celebrities and influencers found to be in conspiracy with illicit vape traders will also be imprisoned. Illicit vape ends now." Commissioner Lumagui stated.

The filing of criminal charges against illicit vape retailers/resellers is part of Commissioner Lumagui's intensified war against illicit vape traders in the country. Aside from the tireless raids conducted by the BIR, Commissioner Lumagui has incessantly reminded the public to report all stores with illicit vape.   

Also, with the rampant sale of illicit vape products, CIR Lumagui reminds all promoters and advertisers of vape products to be responsible in promoting only vape products which are legitimate and tax compliant.  Otherwise, appropriate legal actions will also be filed against them.

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