The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested a Superintendent of Customs, posted at the Air Cargo Complex in Sahar, Mumbai, for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 10,20,000 from a Customs House Agent (CHA) firm in exchange for facilitating the clearance of consignments.
The case was registered against the accused officer and other unknown public servants and private individuals following a complaint. According to the complaint, the accused was allegedly demanding bribes at the rate of Rs 10 per kilogram of imported cargo - both for himself and on behalf of senior officers to ensure the smooth clearance of consignments.
Despite initial refusal by the complainant, the officer persisted with his demands and reportedly issued threats. It was alleged that consignments were deliberately withheld due to non-payment of the bribe.
Verification and Evidence
CBI verification, conducted between July 25 and August 1, 2025, corroborated the allegations. Independent witnesses and recorded conversations confirmed repeated demands for illegal gratification. The accused allegedly sought Rs 6 lakh for previously cleared consignments, of which Rs 5.8 lakh was to be passed on to senior officers and Rs 20,000 kept by him - Rs 10 lakh for clearing a consignment currently held and an additional Rs 10 per kg for the smooth clearance of future consignments.
Caught Red-Handed
On August 2, 2025, CBI officials laid a trap and caught the Superintendent red-handed while accepting Rs 10.2 lakh as bribe money. He was produced before a competent court, which granted police custody remand (PCR) until August 6, 2025.
The investigation into the case is ongoing, and CBI officials have not ruled out the involvement of other senior Customs officials and private individuals.
The arrest underscores the CBI's continued crackdown on corruption in government departments, especially in areas like customs and cargo clearance, where businesses frequently report harassment and delays due to bribery demands.
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