Impostors Posing As Customs Officers Loot Rs 26 Lakh From Tamil Nadu Businessman At Mumbai Airport

Mumbai, 3rd June 2023: In a bizarre incident at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Airport, three persons impersonating a customs officer has duped a businessman from Tamil Nadu, stealing foreign currency worth Rs 26 lakh.

The Sahar police station has registered a case of fraud, impersonation, and conspiracy against three unidentified individuals involved in the incident. Authorities are currently reviewing CCTV footage to identify the culprits.

The victim, hailing from Tamil Nadu, is engaged in the trade of precious stones. Recently, he sold precious stones to a customer in Jaipur and received 25,000 US dollars as payment. Carrying the foreign currency, Hussain arrived in Mumbai on May 26. However, his girl friend, who was traveling to Dubai, required foreign currency, prompting him to visit the airport on May 30 with 25,000 UAE dirhams to meet her demand. Along with the dirhams, he had also placed 25,000 US dollars in his bag.

While standing in the P-10 departure area of the airport, he was approached by two men and a woman claiming to be customs officers. They persuaded him to accompany them to the park area of the airport for questioning, alleging that they had received information about his involvement in smuggling foreign currency. The accused insisted on searching his bag.

During the search, 25,000 UAE dirhams were discovered in his pocket. When asked for a receipt, he informed them that he did not possess one at that moment. One of the culprits then took the bag under the pretext of scanning it, which contained 25,000 US dollars. Subsequently, the other individual discreetly disappeared from the spot.

As complainant held onto the woman, he received a phone call, promising her a return of 25,000 US dollars (equivalent to 20 lakh rupees) and 26,000 UAE dirhams (equivalent to 6 lakh rupees) if she was released. Convinced by the caller’s assurance, the released the woman. However, after waiting for approximately 15 to 16 hours, the promised foreign currency was not delivered, leading him to realize that he had fallen victim to a scam. He immediately lodged a complaint with the Sahar police station.

Authorities have since initiated an investigation, registering a case of cheating, impersonation, and conspiracy. CCTV footage is being examined to identify the suspects involved in the fraudulent act. The police are determined to apprehend the culprits and bring them to justice.