Mumbai 10^th June 2024

Special Intelligence and Investigation Branch (SIIB) (Import) made a major seizure at Jawaharlal Nehru Custom House (JNCH), Nhava Sheva in Mumbai. The seizure includes 4600 old/used refurbished laptops of various brands (Dell, HP, Lenovo, etc.) and 1546 old/used CPUs. These items were imported from the UAE with the supplier based in Hong Kong. The estimated value of the seized smuggled goods is Rs. 4.11 crores.

Upon detailed examination, it was discovered that the CPUs were utilized to conceal old and used refurbished branded laptops in good condition. Importing such goods without proper authorization is prohibited as per the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) Policy. The importers attempted to smuggle old and used laptops by misdeclaring them as motherboard casings, etc., through ICD Patparganj, Delhi, employing a unique modus operandi.

Following the seizure, SIIB (Import) conducted multiple simultaneous searches in Mumbai and Delhi, leading to the apprehension of the mastermind and proprietor of the importing firm. This action is part of ongoing efforts to combat smuggling activities.

In addition to the seizure of smuggled goods, a substantial amount of ₹27.37 lakhs in cash (the sale proceeds of smuggled goods) was also recovered and seized from the importer's premises.

Further investigation revealed two similar shipments at Delhi Air Cargo Customs. SIIB(I), JNCH officers shared this intelligence with their Delhi counterparts, resulting in the seizure of around 2100 old and used laptops at Delhi Air Cargo.

 

ST/PM

 

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