METRO

Impounded luxury supercar faces import fraud probe

Neil Alcober · Aug 24, 2026, 10:47 PM

LAND Transportation Office Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao (second from right) and Bureau of Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno (right) inspect a surrendered high-end sports car — allegedly owned by a celebrity — at the LTO Central Office in Quezon City on Monday. The joint inspection follows investigations into the vehicle’s fake license plates, customs misdeclaration and tax underpayment. — ANALY LABOR

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Bureau of Customs (BoC) are investigating a Porsche 918 Spyder over the alleged use of an unauthorized license plate and a massive undervaluation scheme upon its importation into the country.

The investigation began after the LTO issued a show-cause order 13 August regarding the unauthorized plate.

The luxury vehicle was voluntarily surrendered and impounded 17 August. The driver surrendered his license, which was placed under a 90-day preventive suspension while both the vehicle and license remain under alarm status.

Upon reviewing the vehicle’s records, the LTO uncovered severe entry discrepancies and requested assistance from the BoC.

Customs records showed that a September 2021 import entry declared the vehicle as a brand-new Porsche Boxster valued at P3.26 million.

However, the subsequent Certificate of Payment and initial LTO registration identified the supercar under the same entry number as a Porsche 918 Spyder, which carries an estimated dutiable value of P48.02 million.

Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno stated the case highlights the need for stronger system safeguards to prevent revenue loss and fraudulent declarations.

The BoC is evaluating the case for potential violations of Section 1400 of Republic Act 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.

The LTO remains the lead investigating agency while coordinating with the BoC to formally turn over the impounded vehicle for appropriate customs seizure proceedings.