A Florida couple has been handed a 57-month prison sentence for unlawfully importing wood products from China and dodging over $42 million in import duties by exploiting seven shell companies.
Noel and Kelsy Hernandez Quintana admitted guilt to a plot involving the illegal importation of hardwood and softwood plywood. Operating from February 2016 to December 2020, the couple evaded duties by using seven shell companies, using acquaintances as corporate figures. By falsely declaring their imports as originating from other countries or being made from duty-exempt woods, the Quintanas managed to evade over $42 million in import duties.
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When authorities caught wind of their activities, the couple fled the US, seeking refuge first in Panama and then Montenegro, where they faced extradition proceedings. In a bid to avoid potential 20-year jail terms, both Quintanas struck plea deals.
Source: www.furnituretoday.com