Chattogram: The Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) has submitted a charge sheet against four individuals involved in a significant revenue evasion scheme conducted under the pretense of importing cosmetics through the Chattogram Custom House. The case, which was initiated by the ACC Integrated District Office, Chattogram-1, dates back to 2010.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the charge-sheeted individuals include former customs revenue officer Md. Shafiul Alam, proprietor of Gabi Trade International Mohammad Kasif Forkan, Managing Director of Sy and Co Limited Md Mostafa Kamal Chowdhury, and retired appraiser of Chattogram Custom House Md Shawkat Anwar Chowdhury. An additional accused, Mohammad Harun Shah, proprietor of MR Corporation, has been excluded from the charge sheet due to his passing.
The ACC investigation revealed that cosmetics items imported in 2010 through Messrs Gabi Trade International were fraudulently cleared by concealing the true harmonized system (HS) codes and using alternative codes that attracted lower duty rates. In this scheme, the importer, Clearing and Forwarding (C and F) agent, and customs officials allegedly colluded by utilizing forged invoices, packing lists, and shipping documents.
Upon reassessment, the total duties and taxes owed on the imported goods were calculated to be Tk 817,959,595. However, only Tk 86,840 was actually paid, resulting in a misappropriation of Tk 809,275,755, as confirmed by the investigation.
The individuals involved have been charged under sections 409, 420, 467, 468, 471, and 109 of the Penal Code, alongside Section 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947.