Exporting Business Resolves Allegations of Failure to Inspect Cargo in the Southern District of Texas

Interport Inc., a registered export and logistics firm in Illinois and Florida, has reached a $50,000 settlement to resolve allegations that it insufficiently inspected cargo destined for exports to Central America, according to U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. The company has an office in Houston and ships goods and vehicles from Freeport and the Port of Houston.

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) mandates that exporters like Interport submit electronic documentation with specific information for each international shipment. This process includes checking shipments of firearms and ammunition, as well as providing vehicle identification numbers (VINs) for the vehicles in the shipments.

During 2020 and 2021, authorities inspected several shipping containers loaded by Interport bound for Central America. These inspections revealed concealed firearms and ammunition in customer merchandise, as well as vehicles with VINs that differed from those provided by Interport on the electronic forms. Accordingly, CBP assessed civil penalties for each violation found.

To settle the fines without litigation and improve its screening practices, Interport agreed to pay $50,000. As part of the settlement, the company is required to hold quarterly meetings with CBP representatives at the Port of Houston to discuss additional compliance measures.

The investigation was led by CBP, and the case was handled by Assistant US Attorney Brad Gray and Auditor Matt Prall.

It is important to note that the claims were settled by settling the charges and that there was no determination of liability.