Latest news with #CustomsAct
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
DRI busts ₹30 cr Customs duty evasion of luxury furniture, arrests three
MUMBAI: The Mumbai unit of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has detected a Customs fraud worth ₹30 crores, allegedly involving the import of luxury furniture from Europe, through misdeclaration and undervaluation. The DRI has arrested three accused persons this week for their alleged involvement in the case, according to agency officials. DRI busts ₹ 30 cr Customs duty evasion of luxury furniture, arrests three Acting on specific intelligence, the DRI teams undertook extensive searches this week across multiple locations in the state, including business premises, warehouses, offices of freight forwarders, customs brokers, and other associated entities, agency officials said. The probe revealed the operation of a well-organised network being used for alleged large-scale undervaluation and misdeclaration of branded luxury furniture across several jurisdictions using dummy importers, local intermediaries, and overseas shell entities through fabricated invoices and related documentation to undervalue branded luxury furniture, the officials said. The key accused was arrested on Monday. Officials said he owned a luxury furniture store which directly sourced the furniture from Italian and European brands for sale. However, the invoicing was done in the name of shell companies based in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates. The probe also revealed the use of a Singapore-based intermediary that allegedly falsely declared the goods as non-branded furniture at undervalued rates before Indian Customs authorities for clearance in the name of dummy importers. Once cleared through Customs, the goods were transferred on paper to the key accused via a local intermediary created for the purpose. 'In reality, the goods were directly sent to the beneficial owner or the customer,' the official said. There was a gross undervaluation of between 70% and 90% of the actual transaction value, resulting in an estimated Customs duty evasion of around ₹30 crore, officials said. Apart from the key accused, the DRI also nabbed a dummy importer and an intermediary on Monday and Tuesday under relevant provisions of the Customs Act, the officials said. Two months ago, in a similar but separate case, the DRI detected undervaluation of luxury furniture imports through a bogus company. The case involved Customs duty evasion of ₹20 crore and led to the arrests of three accused persons involved in the case. 'The DRI has stepped up its efforts in exposing such commercial frauds, which not only result in significant losses to government revenue but also create market distortions and an uneven playing field for compliant importers and domestic manufacturers,' an official said.
Cision Canada
2 days ago
- Cision Canada
CBSA officers at Calgary International Airport and Commercial operations seize 160 kg of cannabis, worth over $1.2 million, in a year Français
CALGARY, AB , July 23, 2025 /CNW/ - Over the past year, the CBSA has seized more than 160 kg cannabis at the Calgary International Airport and Calgary Commercial operations. The majority of the cannabis was illicit and destined for export. The total amount has an estimated street value of over $1.2 million. These seizures disrupt organized crime that helps fund other illegal activities such as narcotics and weapons smuggling. Among these seizures, border services officers at the Calgary International Airport seized 109 kg in 4 separate smuggling attempts. In each attempt, the cannabis was discovered in vacuum-sealed packages within suitcases destined for the United Kingdom (U.K.). The travellers involved were arrested by CBSA officers. Some additional highlights include: On July 12, 2025, officers intercepted 12.29 kg of cannabis contained in an otherwise empty suitcase from a Canadian citizen. On May 13, 2025, officers intercepted 17.5 kg of cannabis from the suitcase of a traveller from Hong Kong. On October 27, 2024, officers intercepted 31.6 kg of cannabis from a Canadian citizen on a stopover from Vancouver. Officers also found 1 gram of fentanyl and 29 grams of cocaine in small bags hidden within this traveller's suitcases. On Aug 31, 2024, officers intercepted 48 kg of cannabis concealed in bath towels within two suitcases of a Canadian citizen. A second Canadian citizen was also arrested. At Calgary Commercial operations, officers intercepted 9 packages containing small amounts of cannabis of 1 to 10 kg each bound for the U.K., Belgium and the Netherlands. The cannabis was contained in vacuum-sealed bags and were falsely declared. Although cannabis is legal in Canada, the illicit cross-border movement of cannabis is a serious criminal offence, punishable with imprisonment of up to 5 years under the Customs Act and up to 14 years under the Cannabis Act. Quotes "The ongoing interceptions of illegal cannabis by border services officers in Calgary is another example of the CBSA's efforts to secure the border and prevent the exporting of contraband. Interrupting these smuggling attempts shows our constant commitment to public safety in Canada and beyond." - The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety "CBSA border services officers are combatting drug smuggling and disrupting domestic and international crime networks. If anyone asks you to transport cannabis for them, don't do it! Cannabis import and export laws have severe consequences in Canada and around the world." - Janalee Bell-Boychuk, Regional Director General, Canada Border Services Agency, Prairie Region Quick Facts Under the Cannabis Act, it is illegal to import into Canada, or export from Canada, cannabis without a valid permit, issued by the Government of Canada. Smuggling and other Customs Act and Criminal Code contraventions may lead to arrest, criminal charges and prosecution in a court of law. Cannabis laws change at the border – what is legal in one country may be illegal in another. Bringing cannabis across the border is a serious crime. Even small amounts can leads to criminal charges. The CBSA screens goods, including international mail and courier items, coming into Canada and examines more closely those that may pose a threat to the safety of Canadians. For the latest enforcement statistics, visit Canada Border Services Agency seizures. Canada is investing $1.3 billion to bolster security at the border and strengthen the immigration system, all while keeping Canadians safe. Information available on the Border Plan is available here. If you have information about suspicious cross-border activity, please contact the CBSA Border Watch Line
Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Customs' values on import of a wide range of tiles fixed
ISLAMABAD: The Directorate General of Customs Valuation Karachi has fixed new customs values on the import of wide range of tiles including ceramic and porcelain tiles. According to a valuating ruling (2011 of 2025) issued by the directorate, customs values have been revised on the import of 14 types of porcelain tiles polished; 14 types of porcelain tiles; nine types of matt/glazed and porcelain tiles - glazed polished and borders/motif/moulding/skirting/trimming whether plain or embossed, decorated with gold/silver/luster. The ruling revealed that the Customs values of ceramic and porcelain tiles were determined under Section 25-A of the Customs Acct 1969 videvaluation ruling No 1972/2025. The ruling was challenged before the director general under Section 25D of the Customs Act, 1969 and was remanded back to the Directorate vide order in revision No 34/2025 with the instruction to undertake fresh exercise under Section 25A of the Customs Act, 1969 and to conduct fresh exercise keeping in view the objections mentioned in the Order in Revision till then the valuation ruling shall hold field. The Order-in-Revision specifically highlighted the issue of grouping UAE, Turkey and Iran origin tiles into the 'other' category, with lower values from China. Turkey and UAE origin tiles, and the values of tiles of bigger sizes. Analysis to determine Customs values: In line with the directives of the director general, the directorate held multiple meetings to re-evaluate the Custom values. The stakeholders submitted certain documents in support of their respective positions. Aiming to issue a valuation ruling that duly considered both the stakeholders' perspectives and supporting documentation, the Directorate scheduled meetings on 0-5.05.2025 and 16.06.2025. During these sessions, importers contended that international tile prices had declined significantly due to technological advancements. They also emphasised the need to prevent the mis-declaration of porcelain tiles. On the other hand, local manufacturers highlighted their substantial investments in domestic tile production, including the development of larger-sized tiles. They argued that imported tile prices in the local market remained high and recommended conducting a market inquiry to validate their claims. Instead of submitting comprehensive documentation, stakeholders provided proposed valuation figures for various, tile sizes. A key point of contention in VR 1972/2025 relates to the categorisation of tile, origins under a single 'others' classification. Importers argued that this approach undervalues hon-Chinese tiles and lacks adequate stakeholder consultation. Theyfurther asserted that tile prices do not proportionately increase with size. Conversely, manufacturers maintained that prices do scale with size and advocated for higher valuations for larger tiles, suggesting that only the 'other origin' valuations require revision, as per the Order-in-Revision. The department acknowledged the participation of manufacturers. Additionally, importers /representatives of RAK Ceramics, UAE were instructed to submit sales tax returns along with Annexure-C. However, they failed to provide the necessary documents to substantiate their position. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
News18
3 days ago
- Business
- News18
So Near Yet 'Sofa': DRI Cracks Down On Rs 30 Crore Luxury Furniture Import Scam
Last Updated: The investigation revealed a meticulously planned operation to evade customs duties by undervaluing premium furniture sourced from top European brands In a significant recent crackdown on customs fraud, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has uncovered a massive scheme involving the import of luxury furniture using fake invoices and dummy companies. Acting on specific intelligence, DRI Mumbai officers raided several locations linked to a well-known luxury furniture brand operating across India. The investigation revealed a meticulously planned operation to evade customs duties by undervaluing premium furniture sourced from top European brands. Instead of declaring the real price, the accused routed payments through shell companies based in Dubai and Singapore. Goods were shipped directly from Europe to India but were declared as unbranded furniture at a fraction of their actual value. This clever paper trail using dummy importers and fake invoices allowed the masterminds to dodge customs duty worth Rs 30 crore. Searches were conducted at offices, warehouses, freight forwarders, and customs brokers connected to the racket. DRI officials stated that the scam involved multiple layers: shell companies abroad, local intermediaries, dummy Importer Exporter Code (IEC) holders, and fabricated paperwork. Once the furniture cleared customs, it was transferred on paper to the luxury brand's name through a proxy intermediary, but in reality, it went directly to the brand's warehouse or high-end clients. In a swift move, DRI arrested the beneficial owner of the brand, the dummy importer, and the local intermediary on July 21 and 22 under the Customs Act, 1962. Officials noted that this is not an isolated case. Just two months ago, in May, DRI uncovered a similar scam worth over Rs 20 crore, again involving luxury furniture brands using front companies to misdeclare imported goods. Such frauds significantly impact government revenue and harm honest businesses that pay their dues. A senior DRI official said, 'These operations create an unfair market for genuine importers and domestic manufacturers. We are determined to expose these networks and plug the leaks." The DRI is now investigating other shell companies, dummy IEC holders, and financial channels linked to the scam. More arrests and wider revelations are expected as the probe continues. view comments First Published: July 23, 2025, 03:24 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
Mumbai: DRI busts racket involved in duty evasion of Rs 30 crore in luxury furniture import; 3 arrested
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) Tuesday said that it has busted a racket allegedly involved in Customs duty evasion to the tune of approximately Rs 30 crore in the imports of premium luxury furniture. The agency raided multiple locations in Mumbai and arrested three persons on Monday and Tuesday under provisions of the Customs Act, 1962. According to DRI, it received specific intelligence regarding the import racket. Acting on the intelligence, DRI officials conducted extensive searches across multiple locations, including business premises, warehouses, offices of freight forwarders, customs brokers, and other associated entities. 'The investigation has exposed a complex, intertwined network used for massive undervaluation and misdeclaration of branded luxury furniture operating across multiple jurisdictions, involving the use of dummy importers (IEC holders), local intermediaries, overseas shell entities, and fabricated invoices and related documentation to systematically undervalue branded luxury furniture,' the DRI stated in a statement. The anti-smuggling agency's investigation revealed that the beneficial owner, a well-known luxury furniture brand, was sourcing luxury furniture from reputed Italian and other European brands. However, invoicing was being done in the names of shell companies based in jurisdictions such as Dubai, while the goods were shipped directly from Europe to India. In parallel, fabricated invoices were sent through a Singapore-based intermediary for falsely declaring the goods as unbranded furniture at significantly undervalued rates to Customs for clearance in the name of dummy importers, the DRI said. Once cleared through Customs, the goods were transferred on paper to the intended beneficial owner via a local intermediary created for this purpose, while in reality the goods were directly sent to the beneficial owner or the customer at the direction of the beneficial owner of the whole scam, the central agency added. Preliminary findings indicate a gross undervaluation of 70 to 90 per cent of the actual transaction value, resulting in estimated customs duty evasion of approximately Rs 30 crore. The beneficial owner, the importer (IEC holder), and the intermediary have been found in complicity and close conspiracy with each other for executing the whole modus operandi to evade a huge amount of customs duty, the central agency probe has revealed.
