MANILA — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) filed a second batch of criminal complaints against five cargo forwarding companies linked to alleged fraudulent balikbayan box operations.

BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno led the filing of complaints against Ikthus Trading Corp., Marcelo D. Laylo Cargo Forwarders, Me Amoree International Consumer Goods Trading, MT De Guzman Non-Specialized Wholesale Trading, and Cargoflex Haulers Corp.

The cases stem from 3,176 abandoned balikbayan boxes found in various ports across the country.

Investigations indicated alleged schemes involving misdeclaration and undervaluation of goods, unauthorized deconsolidation, smuggling, non-declaration of commercial items, importation of prohibited and regulated goods, and violations of intellectual property rights.

On May 29, the BOC also filed its first batch of complaints against Makati Express Cargo, Inc. in connection with similar violations.

“We will not stop investigating, building cases, and filing appropriate complaints against cargo operators involved in deception and other fraudulent activities that harm our OFWs and their families,” he added.

The bureau said several other cases involving cargo forwarding firms suspected of similar violations remain under investigation and case build-up.