Author: Bruno Rosa

Source: O Globo - RJ - ECONOMY - 09/08/2009

The global crisis reveals yet another facet: the increase in the number of frauds involving importing companies with a strong presence in Brazil. Data from the Ministry of Development, Industry and Foreign Trade (MDIC) indicate that today there are 400 investigations underway involving the illegal entry of products. The number represents an increase of 166,67% over the beginning of the second half of last year, when 150 irregularities were examined.

When some type of fraud is registered, the ministry informs the Federal Police and the Federal Revenue Service, which will prevent irregular entry and seize the products. In the first six months of this year alone, the value of products appropriated by Revenue across the country totaled R $ 631,549 million, up 21,72% over the same period last year.

During the 12 months of 2008, the amount collected reached R $ 1,043 billion.

There are several types of fraud practiced in the country. The most common ones involve falsification as to the origin of the product, under invoicing (when the invoice issued has a price lower than the real value) and wrong description of the goods. Half of the ongoing investigations at the MDIC are the result of complaints made by Brazilian companies, which, affected by the crisis, do not want to face unfair competition, economists say. The other half is detected by the government system, which highlights cases with prices that are less than average.

But those who follow imports closely say that it is possible to see a little of everything.

The MDIC Foreign Trade Secretary, Welber Barral, cites some examples: - One case we are investigating is that of steel products. One of these items costs US $ 10 in the international market and is being imported by 20 Chinese companies at US $ 1. Another sector is footwear. In our system, leather is worth $ 1,90. And importers sell for $ 0,15. In such cases, it can be under invoicing.

A few weeks ago, we opened a container with ten thousand teddy bears. In the note, there were only a thousand units