Treaty Energy Corp. (fka TECO)

[panther2]

Good question! Something can't be considered to be stolen when there is no claim in any United States Court or Law Enforcement Agency by an individual claiming ownership.

U.S. Customs requires a VIN in order to allow the exportation of the vehicle or a PIN where there isn't a VIN applied. If a vehicle which is supposed to have a VIN applied and it was removed that would clearly be a red flag.

So, to answer your question(s) the vehicle couldn't be exported much less imported without the VIN.

The true owner of the rig is Treaty since they have been in possession of it for the past 5 years or so without any legal challenge to say otherwise.

Considering the relevant facts as presented here the only reasonable explanation for the missing VIN while the Rig has been is Belize is someone removed in in Belize to delay the pending sale.

Section 192.2 Requirements for Exportation

Basic requirements
A person attempting to export a used self-propelled vehicle shall present to Customs, at the port of exportation, both the vehicle and the required documentation describing the vehicle to include the VIN or, if the vehicle does not have a VIN, the product identification number (PIN). Exportation of a vehicle will be permitted only upon compliance with these requirements, unless the vehicle was Eentered into the United States under an in-bond procedure, a carnet, a Temporary Importation Bond, or under a personal exemption for non-residents who entered the vehicle for a 1-year period.