The director of Jan Japan Auto Motors Ltd has been charged with making a false declaration to the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) over illegal car importation.

Mohammad Hassan was on May 21, 2024, charged with two counts of making false declaration contrary to Section 203(b) of the East African Community Customs Management Act 2004.

Hassan was charged at the Nakasero based Anti-Corruption Court in Kamapala before grade one magistrate Esther Asiimwe.

Hassan faces the charges alongside URA customs officer Goodman Turyaramya, Demion Elelu and Bobwilkens Mushabe both clearing agents at Giant Cargo International Ltd who are still at large.

Prosecution, led by Allan Nkoyoyo from URA, said Hassan being the managing director of Jan Japan Auto Ltd on March 28, 2023, made a false declaration of a Bill of Lading and Export Certification entries for 23 prohibited vehicle units manufactured in 2007.

Hassan denied the charges and he was freed on a cash bail of shillings 10 million. His three sureties were bonded at shillings 100 million each.

Nkoyoyo said investigations are still ongoing and asked for more time to update the court on the status of inquiries. Asiimwe adjourned the case to July 2, 2024, for mention

The magistrate issued a criminal summons for Turyaramya, Mushabe and Elelu to appear in court on July 2, 2024, to answer the charges.