CBP Seizes Luxury Vehicles After Uncovering Export Fraud Scheme

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said officers in Florida seized five luxury vehicles after uncovering an export fraud scheme last month.

CBP officers with the Anti-Terrorism and Contraband Enforcement Team were conducted inspections in the Port of Tampa’s vehicle export lot when they identified five luxury vehicles that raised questions. Investigators found “multiple discrepancies” in the sales documents for the vehicles, including suspected fraudulent bills of sale and undervaluation.

The vehicles included one 2023 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (SL55 AMG), two 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class SUVs, one 2022 Mercedes-Benz G-Class SUV, and one 2023 Chevrolet Corvette, with a combined National Automobile Dealers Association value exceeding $694,000.

Documentation revealed the combined purchase price for the vehicles $539,194.91, but export filings undervalued the shipment by more than $257,000.

The vehicles were detained and the export filings were placed on hold while CBP initiated seizure proceedings for violation of export laws.

“Export fraud is not a paperwork violation — it is a serious crime that can conceal money laundering, sanctions evasion, and other transnational criminal activity,” said Director of Field Operations for CBP’s Miami and Tampa Field Office Daniel Alonso. “I’m incredibly proud of the outstanding work our Tampa officers put into this investigation. Their keen attention to detail, persistence, and expertise uncovered an elaborate scheme that might have otherwise gone undetected.”