Graft-busters accuse seven customs officials of helping supercar importers evade duty totalling 897 million baht by accepting unrealistically low car valuations.

Niwatchai Kasemmongkol of the National Anti-Corruption Commission said on Tuesday that the panel found irregularities in the importing of 29 Lamborghini cars by Jubilee Line Co and Benznakarin Auto Group and 33 Maserati cars by Ferma Motor Co, between 2011 and 2014.

Mr Niwatchai said the NACC held eight customs officials responsible for acknowledging unrealistically low valuations for the cars. One of them had since died.

From Jan 17, 2011 to Oct 28, 2014, they allegedly cleared the importation of the 62 cars despite knowing the declared values were too low. They had caused damage through loss of revenue totalling 897 million baht to the Customs, Revenue and Excise departments.

The NACC will begin legal action and seek disciplinary action against the superiors of the accused customs officials.

The 62 cars were among 122 Lamborghini and Maserati cars imported by the three companies. The NACC was examining the details of the other 60 cars, Mr Niwatchai said.