The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Tuesday filed six criminal complaints with the Department of Justice against an importing firm, a licensed customs broker, several Customs personnel, and other individuals for alleged misdeclaration of agricultural shipments.

Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said the six shipments arrived in June 2025 and were declared as "chicken lollipops." However, inspection revealed the containers actually held 15,029 bags of white onions and 2,164 boxes of carrots.

The complaints target the owner and representatives of the importing company alongside their customs broker and agency officials involved in clearing the cargo.

"We will not cover up or tolerate any violation, especially attempts to abuse our processes," Nepomuceno said in a statement.

"Whether an importer, broker, or Customs employee, if there is sufficient evidence, we will take proper action and file charges through the due process of law. Accountability applies to everyone."