Carving out serial numbers on movement?

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Hello, I saw this on eBay and noticed that the serial number on the movement has been physically carved out. Is there a reason why a watchmaker would do it? Thank you in advance.
 
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I vaguely remember a thread or an article on these and IIRC it had something to do with unauthorized importing, dispute between Omega and the importer, or maybe the authorized importer and the other. Again very vague, but I seem to remember that the unauthorized importer concealed the SNs and sent them to market.

Best I can do, and happy to be corrected.
 
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Are you sure it hasn't just been photoshopped?
 
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Yeah, I remember that article, but the movement looks very different to me in this case, which is why I was wondering if perhaps a blur filter was used to obscure part of the number. If the seller has confirmed that the number is physically damaged, then the issue is settled.
 
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I always assumed the watch was stolen and s/n drilled over in case someone files a police report with s/n