BIR files criminal charges against illicit vape firms, celebrities warned

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) filed criminal charges against large-scale illicit vape businesses for allegedly evading nearly P8.7 billion in taxes on Tuesday.

Specifically, BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. filed complaints before the Department of Justice against companies with brand names Flava, Denkat, and Flare, which have failed to pay PHP8.681 billion in taxes.

The charges include unlawful possession of vape products without tax payment, tax evasion, and failure to file excise tax returns under the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997.

Lumagui warned that more criminal cases will be filed against illicit vape traders regardless of business size, emphasizing stricter oversight of the fast-growing vape market.

Celebrities and influencers collaborating with illicit vape businesses are also cautioned about potential legal repercussions as they must register and pay proper taxes for those entering the vape industry.

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