The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) on Wednesday filed 75 criminal complaints before the Department of Justice (DOJ) against individuals and businesses involved in the illicit trade of vape products, citing PHP711.3 million in unpaid taxes.
“This is a nationwide filing of criminal cases… The BIR has proven that it will file cases after the biggest illicit vape sellers such as Flava, Denkat, Flare, and Tap Fog. Today, due to the continuing disobedience of illicit vape retailers, they will suffer the same fate,” BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. said in a statement.
Raids and inspections revealed the widespread sale of untaxed and unregistered vape products, including items without internal revenue stamps and proper BIR registration. Authorities confiscated large volumes of illegal products.
The complaints include violations of the Tax Code, such as tax evasion, unlawful possession or removal of excisable products, and failure to file excise tax returns.
In February 2024, the courts issued warrants of arrest against vape seller Tap Fog and its conspirators over PHP1.2 billion in tax liabilities. In April 2025, the BIR also filed PHP8.7 billion worth of tax evasion cases against major illicit vape brands, including Flava, Denkat, and Flare.
“Patas dapat mag-negosyo sa Pilipinas. Bawal magbenta ng ilegal na vape… Wag niyo nang hintayin na kayo susunod naming kasuhan. Tigilan niyo na yan,” Lumagui warned.