CBI arrest Customs high-ranking official on bribery charges

Mumbai: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested a Superintendent of Customs, posted at Air Cargo Complex, Sahar, Mumbai for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 10.20 lakh from a Customs House Agent (CHA) firm for facilitating clearance of consignments.

The CBI registered the case against the accused and other unknown public servants based on a complaint that a public servant was demanding bribes at the rate of Rs 10 per kilogram of imported cargo, both for himself and on behalf of his senior officers, to ensure smooth clearance of consignments.

As per the complaint, despite refusal to pay the bribe, the accused persisted with the demand and issued threats. It was alleged that non-payment of the bribe led to deliberate withholding of consignments.

During verification conducted on multiple dates between July 25, 2025 and August 1, 2025 in the presence of independent witnesses, the demand of illegal gratification was corroborated through recorded conversations and other evidence. The accused demanded Rs 6 lakh (Rs 5,80,000 for his senior officers; Rs 20,000 as share for himself) against previously cleared consignments; Rs 710,00,000 for facilitating release of a currently held consignment; and Rs 10 per kg for smooth clearance of future consignments.

The accused was caught red-handed while accepting Rs 10,20,000 as bribe.