The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has booked a Chennai customs’ appraiser for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 50,000 from a private trader to appraise goods imported from China.
According to the CBI FIR, appraising officer Manish working at the Customs House has
been booked under Prevention of Corruption Act with the consent of the Tamil Nadu govt.
Mumbai-based Bravo Exim imported PVC-coated fabric from China and Chennai-based VBM Shipping was entrusted with clearance and delivery of the consignment.
Madhukumar of VBM Shipping approached another logistics firm to get clearance from the customs department.
However, when the logistics firm applied online for appraisal and met the appraiser Manish in person, the latter claimed the quoted value of the textile material was less and that he would levy duty for the increased value. Manish allegedly demanded Rs 50,000 to levy duty for the same value and Madhukumar had no other option than to pay the bribe to get clearance.
Madhukumar later approached the CBI and lodged a complaint. A recorded conversation between the complainant and the accused confirmed the offence, the CBI said.