Last week vivo got into trouble with Indian authorities, which seized $58 million in assets after a money laundering investigation. Now Oppo is in the hot seat as local authorities demand $551 million (₹44 billion) for allegedly evading customs duties.
This happened in two ways. First, the company is accused of “deliberate misrepresentation” of imported tools and components it used to build phones. Second, it did not include various license fees in the price of imported goods, fees shipped abroad.
The local anti-smuggling agency found evidence after searching Oppo’s offices in the country and questioning local branch leaders. Oppo’s senior management has acknowledged the issue and has made an upfront payment of ₹4.5 billion, reports Reuters†