Brining cigarettes to UK penalty, please help

RuthnJasper

tomtontom wrote: »

The letter is from HMRC, you are being investigated for smuggling. You need to take legal advice - this is a very serious matter.

Tomtontom is 100% correct - you are potentially in a lot of trouble. Relevant guidance: https://www.gov.uk/customs-seizures-and-penalties

This isn't something like a parking ticket or a speeding fine; it is a serious crime and HMRC will not let it lie.

powerful_Rogue

Ignore my earlier post - The way I read your initial post was that the goods had been seized in Russia.

How many cigarettes were you attempting to bring back into the UK?

brat02

50 cartons, first time

powerful_Rogue

brat02 wrote: »

50 cartons, first time

So 10,000 cigarettes. Was you aware that the limit was 200? (Not that it makes a difference)

LilElvis

brat02 wrote: »

50 cartons, first time

They would appear to believe that this isn't the first time as the letter refers to their investigation covering a period of nearly 2 years.

As others have said you need to seek legal advice immediately as they are clearly treating this seriously, as should you.

powerful_Rogue

Just as an indication as to how serious this is, your looking at a minimum of £11,700 - Thats just for the excise duty alone. On top of that HMRC would also apply a penalty.

I would seek legal advice immediately.

tomtontom

No way you're going to argue that amount is for personal use!

brat02

tomtontom wrote: »

No way you're going to argue that amount is for personal use!

I smoke, my parents smoke, some friends... you really think that 50 cartons is a lot for heavy smokers?

but anyway... I have created this post to ask for help and to find out what is the best thing for me to do in this situation, not to answer questions like this, please try to understand, I am not trying to be rude now

powerful_Rogue

- How many trips abroad have you had int he last 2 years? EU or Non EU
- How many times have you been stopped by Border Force entering the UK?
- How many times have you had items seized?
- How much did you have seized?

cajef

brat02 wrote: »

you really think that 50 cartons is a lot for heavy smokers?

I have created this post to ask for help and to find out what is the best thing for me to do in this situation,

You may not think so but as the allowance is one carton you have got yourself in a lot of bother.

You have been given advice, seek legal help you are going to need it.