Singapore authorities charge three men and three companies over an alleged scheme involving mattresses made in China being exported to the United States under Singapore country-of-origin declarations. According to Singapore Customs, the mattresses are worth more than S$23 million (US$18 million). The charges relate to claims that consignments were falsely declared as Singapore-origin products before being shipped to the US. Authorities say the apparent purpose is to avoid or reduce US import duties that would otherwise apply to goods originating from China.
Investigations begin in February, and the charges are filed in connection with the alleged misuse of origin declarations tied to the mattress shipments. The individuals charged are Singaporeans Loh Yew Kong, 68; Leong Yu Fong, 41; and Loh Chen Sing Darren, 37. The companies involved, according to Customs, are Brighture Et Riche, Brighture Et Riche (Int), and Zenova International.
The case is at the stage of charges, and the accused have not been stated to have admitted wrongdoing. Separate proceedings will determine their liability under the relevant laws.
