The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a First Information Report (FIR) in connection with a massive gold export fraud at Chennai Airport Cargo. The scam, orchestrated between 2020 and 2022, purportedly defrauded the government of over ₹1,000 crore annually by exploiting the Duty-Free Import Authorisation (DFIA) scheme.
Who’s Named in the FIR:
Customs Officials: J. Suresh Kumar, Alok Shukla, P. Thulasi Ram
Jewellery Assessor: N. Samuel Deepak Avinash
Customs Broker/Agent: Mariappan
Jewellery Manufacturers: Deepak Siroya, Santosh Kothari, Sunil Parmar, Sunil Sharma
How the Scam Unfolded:
Gold bullion (24-carat) was imported duty-free under the DFIA scheme, with a mandate to convert it into 22-carat jewellery and export it.
Instead, the accused allegedly sold the bullion in the local market and exported fake, gold-plated brass or copper ornaments to claim wrongful duty refunds.
Investigation and Raids:
The case originated in 2022, when officials noticed inconsistencies in shipping documents for consignments headed to Gulf countries.
After delays due to required government permissions, the CBI filed the FIR and conducted searches at the airport cargo office, residences of customs officials in Pallavaram, Alandur, Nanganallur, and Anna Nagar, and at jewellery showrooms and manufacturer offices in Flower Bazaar, Sowcarpet, and Kondithope.
Tools like XRF spectrometers used for gold purity testing were examined, and key documents were seized. The scope of the investigation could expand as more evidence emerges.
FAQs
Q1. How much was allegedly defrauded?
Over ₹1,000 crore annually through this scheme between 2020 and 2022.
Q2. Who has been named in the FIR?
Five customs officials, one assessor, one broker, and four jewellery manufacturers have been formally implicated.
Q3. What was the modus operandi?
They imported pure gold duty-free under DFIA but exported fake or substandard jewellery, pocketing the difference.
Q4. Where did the CBI conduct raids?
At the airport cargo terminal, residences of officials, and jewellers' offices across Chennai.
Published on : 2nd September
Published by : SMITA
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