China customs intercept 780 smuggled Intel CPUs concealed inside car engine

The illicit surge in smuggling activity within China has shown no signs of abating, as reports surface of a recent interception by China Customs involving an individual caught attempting to transport 780 Intel processors valued at more than $130,000. This incident underscores a growing trend of inventive yet unsuccessful smuggling methods, which have included concealing processors in prosthetic bellies and similar ploys.

China customs intercept 780 smuggled Intel CPUs concealed inside car engine

In this case, the smugglers' audacious approach involved hiding the Intel CPUs within a car engine compartment, likely aiming to outsmart customs officials. The discovery was made at Gongbei Port when vigilant officers detected irregularities in the digital imagery of the vehicle's contents, leading to a thorough inspection that revealed the concealed processors.

The cumulative value of the confiscated processors stands at approximately 1 million yuan or $137,141, with each processor estimated to contribute around $175 to the total. The persistently high rate of smuggling attempts in China can be attributed to the allure of circumventing heavy taxation, resulting in lower prices for consumers through these "grey channels."

With previous reports indicating that smuggling activities have already surpassed $4 million in value over a span of two years, it remains evident that concerted efforts will be required to curb this persistent issue.

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