Major crack-down against customs fraud

Following the fraudulent market introduction of merchandises imported by shady economic operators, Malagasy customs have registered a loss of close 30 billion FMG, within the last few months, according to Mr. Rabemananjara, the Customs Director. For now, these losses only involve fraudulent activities detected within the port city of Toamasina (East).

By the time they assess the situation in Mahajanga (West), the losses may reach the same proportions. Mr. Rabemananjara, declared that Customs is currently addressing the issue, in an effort to quantitatively assess the magnitude of the ?damage?.

Given that customs revenues have made up a substantial portion of Madagascar?s financial resources, for the past few years, the administration is ready to take the bull by the horns. ?We will go as far as to inspect the stores,? pointed out one high-ranking customs official. This will allow them to identify the merchandises which cleared customs, unnoticed by customs authorities. The Director, for his part, maintains that, from now on, the Customs authorities will strictly go by the book; they will follow the customs code, and this code is the same for everyone. And when necessary, they are prepared to impose sanctions. During a weekend news conference, Mr. Rabemananjara stated, ?In accord with the intentions of the new leadership, we will impose sanctions on those who break the law, whoever they are.?

Concurrently, the new leadership intends to educate the public, as well as the main customs service users on matters pertaining to the inner workings of the department, and the legislations which are in force. In an effort to reach as many people as possible, they will eventually conduct conferences, and debates within the framework of this awareness campaign. This is a first in the annals of the Malagasy Customs Service.

Given the present socio-political atmosphere, it will be difficult, from now on, to bypass the Customs Service net. The new leadership has in fact declared war on excess, while promoting efficiency in its place. In case you have not noticed, there is a new dealer in town, and a ?new deal? is in effect. As an example, a Malagasy used car importer, realizing the evolution of the situation within the Malagasy ports, concluded that ?the party is over?.

Translated by J. F. Razanamiadana