The CBI’s anti-corruption drive scores yet another victory with the dramatic arrest of a fugitive proclaimed offender in a high-profile Rs 58 lakh customs fraud case. This development comes after months of relentless pursuit, highlighting the agency’s prowess in tracking down economic fugitives.
Details emerging from the operation paint a picture of a calculated scheme where importers colluded with customs intermediaries to bypass duty payments. High-value consignments were cleared at suspiciously low assessed values, allowing the fraudsters to pocket the difference while shortchanging the government’s coffers.
The proclaimed offender, a key figure in the racket, had gone underground following the issuance of a court warrant. CBI sleuths employed advanced tracking techniques, including digital footprints and informant networks, to zero in on his hideout.
During the arrest, investigators recovered forged invoices and manipulated bills of entry that served as the backbone of the fraud. The scam, operational for over two years, involved multiple shipments routed through major sea ports.
Legal experts view this arrest as a deterrent to white-collar criminals exploiting trade loopholes. With the prime suspect in custody, the CBI is now focusing on asset recovery and freezing illicit gains. The case serves as a stark reminder of the perils of customs evasion in India’s booming import sector.
