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(Image: U.S. Customs and Border Patrol)

CBP ready to crack down on tariff fraud

Transportation industry analysts are predicting a significant increase in tariff-fraud crackdowns by U.S. authorities, particularly the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Department of Justice (DOJ), in response to new and expanded tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. Trade expert Rennie Alston, CEO of the Alston Group and a member of the Commercial Customs Operations Advisory Committee, spoke at a supply chain summit hosted by Jarrett, a third-party logistics provider, warning importers about the heightened scrutiny and enforcement actions now underway.

Alston explained that every importer is now paying more tariffs than before, making it increasingly difficult to keep up with the changing regulations. The latest round of tariffs, which went into effect recently, has led to a new level of compliance oversight, with the DOJ becoming more directly involved in enforcement. Alston noted that, unlike previous years, there are now direct communications from the DOJ regarding customs compliance matters referred for immediate enforcement, signaling a more aggressive approach.

A key focus of the crackdown is on the accuracy of import documentation, including merchandise value and country of origin. Authorities are particularly concerned about transshipment schemes, where importers disguise the true origin of goods to avoid tariffs. Alston predicted that circumvention of tariffs will become the leading source of revenue-generating penalties, surpassing traditional issues like valuation and record keeping, which have dominated enforcement actions for the past two decades. He anticipates DOJ activity related to tariff enforcement will increase by 200% due to both the new tariffs and the trade community’s response.

Kirti Reddy, a partner at Quarles & Brady, added that the rapid implementation and high rates of new tariffs are likely to result in more cases prosecuted under the False Claims Act, as companies and individuals seek ways to offset increased costs, sometimes by circumventing compliance.

One emerging tactic highlighted by Alston is Modified Delivery Duty Paid (MDDP), which he describes as a blatant scam. In this scheme, a foreign supplier offers to act as the importer of record, assuring the buyer not to worry about customs declarations. Alston warns that this is considered fraud by CBP, and all parties involved in such transactions are liable, regardless of whose name appears on the documents.

Alston emphasized the importance of customs brokers in helping importers understand the risks and responsibilities associated with customs compliance. He cautions that errors are viewed as intentional by CBP, and penalties for violations can far exceed the value of the merchandise, threatening the sustainability of companies that fail to comply.

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Georgia cargo theft ring busted in Macon

Four men have been arrested in connection with a cargo theft ring operating in Middle Georgia, following an investigation led by the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office. The case centers on the theft of semi-trailers loaded with electronics, appliances, and other merchandise. The investigation began on December 4, 2024, when a 911 call reported two missing semi-trailers from Forest Park, Georgia. GPS tracking led deputies to Macon, where they found the trailers—one on Eisenhower Parkway near Interstate 475 and another on Antioch Road. Both trailers had been emptied, with only pallets left inside.

The thefts continued into 2025. On June 15, authorities received another report of a missing trailer that had been loaded in Atlanta and last parked on Napier Avenue on June 13. The stolen trailers contained valuable goods, including flat-screen televisions, wall mounts, mini fridges, sinks, and consumable items.

Investigators were able to identify multiple suspects involved in the theft ring. On July 21, 2025, officers executed a search warrant at a property on Bartlett Street, where they recovered several stolen items and multiple stolen trailers. The suspects arrested were Quintin Marques Barkley, Travis Dewaine Harvey, Willie Bernard Bigby, and Terrell Jamelle Cordy.

Barkley and Harvey were each charged with felony theft by taking and violating the Georgia RICO Act, which targets organized criminal activity. Bigby faced charges of felony theft by taking, felony theft by receiving stolen property, and violating the Georgia RICO Act. He was also wanted in Dooly County at the time of his arrest. Cordy was charged with felony theft by taking, felony theft by receiving stolen property, and violating the Georgia RICO Act. Notably, Cordy had been out on bond for multiple other charges, including hit and run, criminal damage to property, fleeing and eluding police, obstruction, and various motor vehicle offenses. His bond was surrendered following his arrest in the cargo theft case.

All four suspects were denied bond and remain in custody at the Bibb County Law Enforcement Center. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are encouraging anyone with information to contact the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office or Macon Regional Crime Stoppers.

This case highlights the persistent issue of cargo theft in the region and the coordinated efforts of law enforcement to dismantle organized theft rings targeting valuable shipments.