Praia, June 12, 2025 (Lusa) - Cabo Verde’s parliament unanimously approved on Thursday the distribution of a report by the Ministry of Finance that detected goods declared at less than half their value to evade taxes at customs in the capital, Praia.

The weekly newspaper A Nação published the report on Thursday, and it sparked debate in parliament.

João do Carmo, a member of the opposition African Party for the Independence of Cabo Verde (PAICV), stated that the government could enhance revenue by addressing the “millions” it has not collected over the years, while the ruling Movement for Democracy (MpD) welcomed the inspections.

Finance Minister Olavo Correia said the report shows the efficiency of the Ministry of Finance’s anti-fraud service: “it is working well,” he said, noting that the figures come from a sample.

“Collecting 60% of what we should ensures the state functions,” he said, adding that a “red channel” includes “12 high-risk companies” that the authorities surveil when goods arrive.

“We have almost doubled our tax collection capacity in 10 years,” he added, praising the role of inspections in continuing to improve collection.

The PAICV requested the distribution of the report, and the assembly ultimately approved it unanimously.

LFO/ADB // ADB.

Lusa