Customs warns against buying of altered car VIN

The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘B’, wishes to advise the public against the acquisition of vehicles that possess tampered Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) or chassis numbers.

This act is considered a serious offense under the law and is subject to a penalty of up to N2 million or a maximum of 2 years of imprisonment, as stipulated by the relevant regulations.

It has come to the attention of the NCS that individuals involved in the illicit smuggling of vehicles have resorted to altering the VINs of such vehicles in an attempt to avoid detection by law enforcement authorities or to manipulate the payment of required duties.

This deceptive practice not only violates legal statutes but also poses a significant risk to unsuspecting buyers who may inadvertently become entangled in unlawful activities.

To safeguard against inadvertently engaging in illegal transactions, the NCS strongly recommends that prospective buyers exercise due diligence by thoroughly inspecting the VIN displayed on the windscreen and chassis of any vehicle they intend to purchase.

By verifying the authenticity of these identification numbers, individuals can mitigate the risk of acquiring a vehicle with altered VINs and inadvertently becoming complicit in criminal activities.

The Nigeria Customs Service emphasizes the importance of compliance with established regulations governing the purchase and sale of vehicles.

By adhering to legal requirements and conducting proper inspections, individuals can contribute to maintaining the integrity of the automotive market and upholding the principles of lawfulness and transparency.

The Comptroller of the Unit, Comptroller Chedi Wada, issued a cautionary statement during a press briefing regarding the recent confiscation of various items, notably 12 units of illicitly imported used vehicles.

In his address, Comptroller Wada highlighted a concerning trend where individuals involved in car smuggling activities engage in the alteration of Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) to avoid detection by law enforcement or to manipulate customs duties.

Emphasizing the importance of vigilance, Comptroller Wada urged members of the public to meticulously inspect the VIN displayed on the windscreen and chassis of vehicles they are considering purchasing to ascertain the authenticity of the identification numbers and ensure they have not been tampered with.

Furthermore, Comptroller Wada underscored the legal ramifications associated with the manipulation of VINs, underscoring the necessity for adherence to regulations governing vehicle identification to prevent unwitting involvement in illicit activities.

Let me use this opportunity to draw the attention of the public concerning the act of altering VIN (Chassis Number) of vehicles by smugglers to evade arrest or to manipulate the payment of duty.

Don’t Buy Cars With Altered VIN, It’s An Offence Liable To N2m Fine Or 2 Years Imprisonment, Customs Warns – autojosh 

“I want the concerned citizens to always examine the VIN on the windscreen and that on the chassis (skeleton) of the vehicle they intend buying because it is an offence under Section 236 (b) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and the offender is liable to a fine of N2, 000,000.00 or imprisonment for a term of two years, or both”.

Wada encouraged the public to make use of the 90-day opportunity to legalize incorrectly imported vehicles.

He also appreciated the government’s actions in relieving the financial strain on citizens, particularly through the suspension of penalties on these imports.