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PA LOS ANGELES IMPORTER SENTENCED IN CFC SMUGGLING CASE

Release Date: 12/20/96
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PA LOS ANGELES IMPORTER SENTENCED IN CFC SMUGGLING CASE

FOR RELEASE: FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1996

LOS ANGELES IMPORTER SENTENCED IN CFC SMUGGLING CASE

On Dec. 9, Four Star Chemical Co., a Los Angeles importing firm, was sentenced to a fine of $75,000 as a result of its federal felony conviction for smuggling CFC-113, an ozone depleting chemical used in metal product manufacturing, into the United States from China. Chemicals which deplete the earth's protective ozone layer can increase the risk of cataracts and skin cancer in humans. The company also forfeited $100,000 in illegal profits gained as a result of this smuggling scheme, and the IRS has filed a civil claim of $243,000 for unpaid taxes on the smuggled goods. The case was a joint investigation involving EPA's Criminal Investigation Division and the U.S. Customs Service.

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