The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Krishan Kumar, a Superintendent of Customs posted at the Air Cargo Complex, Sahar, Mumbai, for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 10.20 lakh from a Customs House Agent (CHA) firm to facilitate clearance of consignments.
The arrest, which took place on Saturday, August 3, follows a detailed surveillance and verification process initiated after the complainant, unwilling to pay the bribe, approached the CBI with allegations of corruption and extortion by the officer.
CBI Registers Case and Launches Investigation
A case has been registered against Krishan Kumar and other unknown public servants and private individuals, based on the complaint that the officer was demanding Rs 10 per kilogram of imported cargo as bribe-allegedly for himself and his senior officers-to ensure smooth processing and clearance of shipments.
According to the complaint, when the bribe was refused, the officer allegedly resorted to threats and deliberately delayed the release of consignments. This coercion led the affected CHA firm to file a formal complaint with the CBI.
Recorded Conversations Confirm Demands
The CBI conducted verification of the allegations between July 25 and August 1, 2025, in the presence of independent witnesses. The demand for illegal gratification was corroborated through recorded conversations and supporting evidence.
It was revealed that the accused had not only demanded bribes for consignments already cleared but also sought payment for facilitating the release of a currently held consignment and assuring hassle-free clearance of future shipments.
Bribe Taken Red-Handed, Further Investigation Underway
During a trap operation, CBI officials caught Krishan Kumar red-handed while accepting ₹10.20 lakh in cash. He was subsequently produced before a competent court, which has remanded him to CBI custody until August 6, 2025, for further interrogation and investigation.
The CBI has confirmed that the probe is ongoing to identify other public officials and private individuals who may be involved in the alleged bribery network at Mumbai's Air Cargo Complex.
The arrest once again highlights the CBI's continued crackdown on corruption within government departments, especially in high-value trade and customs operations that directly impact import-export businesses.
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