In a major breakthrough, the Ludhiana Zonal Unit of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) arrested a key figure behind a Rs 189 crore customs duty evasion racket today. The suspect, who had been evading authorities for over a year, allegedly orchestrated a scheme involving the diversion of duty-free imported goods from customs bonded warehouses through three shell companies operated by dummy proprietors.

According to DRI officials, the accused violated bonded warehouse license conditions by diverting imported goods, meant as raw materials for export production, to the domestic market without paying the mandatory 100% customs duty. To fake compliance with export obligations, the accused used these firms to ship counterfeit and substandard goods made from unrelated materials.

The DRI's investigation, triggered by specific intelligence, uncovered the intricate fraud that resulted in a staggering Rs 189 crore in evaded duties. The accused was presented before a Ludhiana court, which granted DRI custody for further questioning. The probe continues to unravel the full extent of the operation and identify other involved parties.

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