CHINESE company Bai Shan Lin, which has been at the centre of controversies over the years, had two luxury vehicles seized yesterday afternoon by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA).
A Nissan minivan, PRR 3888, and a Lexus SUV, PRR 2888, were taken to the GRA storage bond at Eccles, East Bank Demerara following the confiscation. It was determined that Bai Shan Lin owed over $60 million in taxes on the brand new SUV alone.

TAX EVASION PROBE
The Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU) has been investigating the Chinese company for tax evasion. According to media reports, a senior government official had been caught up in allegations of reportedly halting the seizure of the vehicles by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA).

The new GRA administration has been trying to clamp down, without fear or favour, on all those who have been evading taxes. Reports revealed that Bai Shan Lin had failed to fulfill agreements signed with the previous PPP government, even as it enjoyed billions of dollars in concessions.

The vehicles were seized as the company failed to pay the required duties within the legally stipulated timeframe. The matter is also being looked at by the State Asset Recovery Unit (SARU).

When contacted by the Guyana Chronicle, Chairman of GRA Rawle Lucas said he was not privy to an update on the ongoing operation relating to the seizure. This newspaper understands that the tax agency also intends to look at a number of other vehicles and other assets that were imported by Bai Shan Lin over the years.