Ahmedabad intelligence nabs two in multi-crore duty evasion case

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Ahmedabad, has arrested two people in connection with a multi-crore rupee customs duty evasion case involving imports of precious stones and other products. The DRI is on the lookout for more people who were part of the racket.

According to DRI sources, Raju Sharma alias Ojha of New Delhi and Vinodkumar Sharma of Jaipur were arrested by Ahmedabad DRI for customs duty evasion in imports. Raju Sharma used to purchase various products from China and export them to India by under-reporting the actual value of the consignment.

The duty evasion was carried out with the help of Vinodkumar Sharma, a customs house agent, with offices in Mumbai and Jaipur. The imports were carried out in the names of dummy importers.

"The undervaluation of consignments used to be to the tune of 50% to 60%, causing huge revenue losses. They were evading customs duty in a very well organized manner from last few years," said sources.

According to preliminary estimates, the duty evasion is estimated at Rs6 crore  to Rs7 crore. However, sources said that the amount could increase further. The authorities are looking into the possibility of money laundering and hawala transfers in the case.

The sources said DRI was on the lookout for one person from Surat, who was also involved in the racket. Some other people may also be involved, they said further.

Meanwhile, the two people arrested were sent to judicial custody by a local court.