SSD Smuggler Caught by Chinese Customs: 84 NVMes Taped to an Electric Scooter

Urian B., Tech Times 20 March 2023, 12:03 am

Smuggling goods across the border without paying customs duties is an increasingly common and extremely illegal activity, particularly in China. Despite the potential consequences and risks, instances of smuggling continue to occur, sometimes with very odd methods.

The Chinese Customs Department's Increase on Detection and Punishment of Smuggling Attempts

According to the story by Tom's Hardware, it goes without saying that attempting to smuggle goods into any country is a serious offense that can have serious consequences.

But it becomes even more serious with China, as the country's customs agencies are constantly on the lookout for even the slightest attempts at illegally entering goods. The Chinese customs department posted the incident on its WeChat page.

China's Strict Security Measures Stop Smuggling Attempt of 84 Kingston-branded NVMe SSDs

As also reported in an article by WCCF Tech, the recent attempt to smuggle 84 Kingston-branded NVMe SSDs into China is a testament to the strength of the Chinese government's security measures. The man probably thought he could fool customs officials, but the x-ray machine caught him in the act.

These recent attempts to smuggle hardware into China highlight the immense profitability of such operations. According to Pricing, an international price comparison website, Kingston's SSDs used in the latest smuggling attempt are sold up to 16% higher in mainland China than in other countries such as the United States and Germany.

Tightening Customs Control and Higher Penalties for Smuggling

This difference in pricing is a huge incentive for thieves, as it increases their potential profits significantly. The Chinese government is no longer tolerating smuggling of any kind, especially regarding electronic goods.

The steady influx of smuggled goods has hurt China's production, and the smuggling has to be curbed if the country wants to continue progressing with its self-reliance goals. As such, the government has tightened customs control and imposed harsher punishments for those caught.

Possible Punishments for Smuggling Electronic Goods into China

Trying to smuggle electronic goods into China is absolutely inadvisable, as the odds are not in your favor. Possible punishments for such actions include fines, confiscation of the goods in question, or even imprisonment.

On top of that, smuggled goods may also lack the necessary certifications and quality assurance, putting users at risk of receiving sub-par products. To reiterate our advice, don't even consider smuggling electronics into China.

Zero-Tolerance Policy on Smuggling in China

The risk of getting caught far outweighs the potential rewards, and significant punishments are in place to deter such activities. Anyone who infringes on China's customs laws is only putting themselves in a difficult situation.

These cases demonstrate the lengths some are willing to go to smuggle goods into China without paying customs duties. However, attempting to avoid paying taxes on goods can have serious legal and financial implications.

China has a zero-tolerance policy regarding smuggling, and those caught engaging in such activities are liable to face harsh punishments. It's important to remember that any form of smuggling, no matter the goods or the method, is a criminal offense that could have financial and legal ramifications.