DRI Unravels Multimillion Rupee Customs Fraud in Luxury Furniture Imports
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence has exposed a major customs fraud in luxury furniture imports, uncovering a network of undervaluation and false invoicing involving shell companies and dummy importers. The operation led to estimated customs duty evasion of Rs 30 crore, with key arrests made.
- Country:
- India
In a major crackdown, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has exposed an elaborate customs fraud regarding the import of premium luxury furniture, according to a statement by the Ministry of Finance. Acting on specific intelligence, DRI conducted searches across multiple sites, which included business premises and logistics offices.
The investigation has unveiled a complex network orchestrated for the massive undervaluation and false declaration of branded luxury furniture. The operation spanned multiple jurisdictions and involved dummy importers, local middlemen, shell entities overseas, and fake invoices, significantly impacting the customs revenue.
Preliminary findings point towards severe undervaluation, with actual transaction values being understated by as much as 70 to 90 per cent. This fraudulent operation has led to the evasion of around Rs 30 crore in customs duty. On July 21 and 22, 2025, DRI apprehended three key individuals involved in this conspiracy under the Customs Act, 1962.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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