BIR files P8.7B tax evasion case vs vape firms

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has filed a P8.7 billion tax evasion case against several vape businesses before the Department of Justice (DOJ).

The criminal charges target vape brands Flava, Denkat, and Flare for allegedly failing to pay P8,681,028,850 in taxes.

Violations cited include unlawful possession of untaxed vape products, tax evasion, and failure to file excise tax returns.

BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. warned that more criminal cases will be filed against illicit vape traders.

He emphasized that celebrities and influencers found in conspiracy with illicit vape traders will also be imprisoned.

In 2024, the BIR confiscated 560,000 units of vape products with P415 million in tax liabilities.

The BIR commissioner also noted that tax liabilities from confiscated cigarettes reached P9 billion last year.