LTO probes Chinese luxury cars ‘smuggler’

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) announced Monday it is conducting a deeper investigation into a Chinese national suspected of involvement in smuggling luxury vehicles, some of which were allegedly sold to a controversial flood control contractor couple.

In a statement, the LTO disclosed that the Chinese national was identified as Cheng Cao, the alleged owner of the ACH High End Motor Center in Makati, which was raided by the Bureau of Customs (BoC) in February.

LTO chief Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao said the agency is checking for a possible link between Cao and Frebel Enterprise, a car dealer that was reportedly used by contractors Curlee and Sarah Discaya.

The LTO has already impounded several luxury vehicles, including a Ferrari 458, a Lamborghini Urus, and a Lamborghini Huracan, which were traced back to the dealer.

“All of them had one importer, Frebel, which was the same importer of the Discayas, that were registered with the National Capital Region,” Lacanilao said.

During a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing, Sarah Discaya reportedly identified Frebel Enterprises as one of their car dealers. The LTO is investigating Cao as Frebel is believed to be one of his suppliers.

Cao was flagged on 27 November in Makati City by the LTO and the Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group after a former Filipino employee filed a complaint through the office of Senator Erwin Tulfo.          

During the arrest, Cao was reportedly found with an unlicensed firearm. Furthermore, the color of his Mercedes-Benz did not match the description on its registration paper, and the suspect reportedly attempted to conceal his true identity.

Cao is currently detained at Camp Crame under the custody of the PNP-HPG, while his Mercedes-Benz has been impounded by the LTO. The LTO said it is coordinating with the BoC for the initial investigation and is working with the Bureau of Immigration to verify Cao’s identity.