Filenews 15 March 2022
For illegal smuggling of fuel from the occupied territories through regular operations with heavy vehicles at the crossing points of Pergamon and Strovilia, the Police of the British Bases were reported.
According to an announcement, as fuel prices continue to soar, regular checks have proved extremely effective in stopping individuals and businesses trying to buy low-cost fuel from the occupied territories and bring them to the British Bases and then to the Republic of Cyprus.
In recent weeks, British Base Customs officials had noticed suspicious activity as commercial heavy vehicles (HGVs) crossed the barricades several times a week, with some even trying to get through several times a day.
Customs officials, who have been extensively trained to identify vehicles that have been modified for smuggling, used "advanced vehicle search techniques" and discovered numerous heavy-duty vehicles using what is described as "custom fuel tanks" for the purposes of fuel smuggling.
Mark Hartley, Head of the Customs Department in the Eastern BB regions, explained: "With the low fuel prices in the north and the weakened Pound, organised smuggling groups have tried to take advantage by transporting huge quantities of fuel through the British Bases for sale on the black market in the Republic of Cyprus."
Giving an example of what some people are capable of doing to save money, he revealed that earlier this month, a commercial bus company had secured one of its buses to drive in the occupied territories and tried to use it as a "feeder", making repeated trips to the occupied territories to procure fuel and then transport it to the company's other 16 vehicles located in the CCT.
He said the "feeder" bus was immediately seized and €1,480 was imposed out of court.
In other recent businesses, fines totalling nearly €6,000 have also been imposed on those who tried to smuggle low-cost fuel through BB and beyond, and according to Hartley, this should be taken as a warning to those hoping to take advantage of the situation.
"It is unacceptable for individuals to attempt to deceive the system by trying to avoid taxes used to fund vital public services.
"The BB's actions send a clear message that any smuggling through the BB Crossing Points will not be tolerated and those who attempt to evade the controls will be located, their property will be seized and prosecuted."
