The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested a Superintendent of Customs at the Sahar Air Cargo Complex in Mumbai for demanding and accepting a bribe of ₹10.20 lakh. The arrest stemmed from a complaint by a Customs House Agent (CHA) firm, which alleged that the official was demanding a bribe of ₹10 per kilogram for imported cargo to ensure smooth consignment clearance. The accused, who also demanded money on behalf of his senior officers, allegedly threatened to withhold consignments if the bribe was not paid. After verifying the demand through recorded conversations, the CBI set a trap and apprehended the official on August 2, 2025, while he was accepting the bribe. The accused has been placed in police custody as the investigation into the matter continues.
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
CBI Arrests Superintendent of Customs at Sahar Air Cargo, Mumbai for Accepting Bribe of ₹10.20 Lakh
Mumbai, August 3, 2025
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested a Superintendent of Customs posted at the Air Cargo Complex, Sahar, Mumbai, for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of ₹10,20,000 from a Customs House Agent (CHA) firm in exchange for facilitating the clearance of imported consignments.
The case was registered by CBI against the accused and other unidentified public servants and private individuals, based on a complaint alleging that the accused demanded bribes at the rate of ₹10 per kilogram of cargo not only for himself but also on behalf of his senior officers, to ensure the smooth and timely release of consignments.
Despite the complainant’s refusal to comply with the demand, the accused allegedly persisted and even issued threats. It was further alleged that non-payment resulted in the deliberate withholding of cargo.
Verification of the allegations was carried out on multiple dates between July 25 and August 1, 2025, in the presence of independent witnesses. Recorded conversations and other material evidence corroborated the illegal demand. The accused was found to have sought:
₹6,00,000 against previously cleared consignments (₹5,80,000 for senior officers; ₹20,000 for himself) ₹10,00,000 for facilitating release of a currently held consignment of ₹10/kg as a standing bribe rate for future consignments
Following the verification, the CBI laid a trap operation during which the accused was caught red-handed on August 2, 2025, while accepting the bribe amount of ₹10,20,000.
The accused was produced before the competent court, which has granted Police Custody Remand (PCR) till August 6, 2025.
Further investigation is in progress.
(Republished with amendments)
Nothing will happen. All top officers of Income tax who are caught in bribe are back in office