Aluminum Extrusion Importers Agree to Pay $3 Million to Settle AD Duty Evasion Whistleblower Suit

February 17, 2015 |Penalties and Courts

Three importers have agreed to pay a total of over $3 million to settle charges that they transshipped Chinese aluminum extrusions through Malaysia in order to avoid paying antidumping and countervailing duties, said the Justice Department on Feb. 12. California-based C.R. Laurence, Florida-based Southeastern Aluminum, and Texas-based Waterfall Group allegedly declared the country of origin of the aluminum extrusions to be Malaysia, even though the goods were actually manufactured in China and only transshipped through Malaysia, said DOJ. The settlement comes as the result of a False Claims Act whistleblower lawsuit in Middle Florida U.S. District Court brought by James Valenti, owner and CEO of sourcing consultant World Trade Group, and joined by the U.S. government. Valenti is set to receive $555,100 for his role in the case.