Rs 1.57 cr seized in raids on customs officials

CBI had registered a case alleging that customs officials conspired with a city-based private firm and sanctioned fraudulent and false refund claims by the firm.

CBI on Friday seized cash, gold jewellery and fixed deposit receipts to the tune of Rs 1.57 crore during raids conducted at the residences of two customs officers and a private firm.

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The central investigative agency also seized several incriminating documents, a CBI press release said.

CBI had registered a case alleging that customs officials conspired with a city-based private firm and sanctioned fraudulent and false refund claims by the firm.

The officials had allegedly issued a cheque for Rs 1.19 crore, causing a wrongful loss to customs department during May-June last year, the CBI release said.

During raids on January 5 at four places, including residential premises of the two customs officials and a private firm, CBI seized cash, gold jewels and fixed deposit receipts to the tune of Rs 1.57 crore, it said.

An amount of Rs 27.07 lakh, fixed deposit receipts and other documents worth Rs 60.97 lakh, and gold jewellery worth Rs 5.20 lakh was seized from a bank locker belonging to deputy commissioner of customs (legal/records/communications) M Premkumar, while Rs 1.20 lakh cash and jewels worth Rs 36.21 lakh was seized from his residence, it said.