PBI uncovers ‘fraudulent activities’ by Toyota Bangladesh MD, two senior officials

An official of Navana alleged that their “fraudulent actions” led to losses for the Toyota distributor

The Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) has found evidence of alleged fraudulent activities involving three senior Toyota Bangladesh executives, including Managing Director Premmit Singh.

Earlier this month, the probe report was submitted to the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court in Dhaka by PBI Inspector Syed Sajedur Rahman.

A hearing on the report is scheduled for Dec 30 before Judge Jewel Rana.

On Tuesday, Inspector Sajedur Rahman said: “We submitted the report on Dec 8 after establishing that Premmit, Akio Ogawa, deputy general director of Toyota Tsusho Asia Pacific, and Asif Rahman, general manager of Toyota Tsusho, were involved in fraudulent activities.”

The case was filed on Jul 9 by Shafiul Islam of Navana Limited, Toyota’s sole distributor in Bangladesh. The complaint alleges that the suspects’ actions harmed Navana’s business interests.

According to the PBI report, the executives deliberately delayed the production of vehicles ordered by customers. They also disrupted Navana’s normal import and supply processes by failing to provide mandatory “manufacturer invoices” required for customs clearance.

It alleged that these actions damaged the company’s reputation and exposed it to customs complications and potential penalties.

The complaint also mentions that Navana, as the sole Toyota distributor in Bangladesh, has long collaborated with Toyota Tsusho Corporation.

The suspects, allegedly seeking to weaken this exclusive arrangement, submitted false and biased reports on market conditions and operational performance. These reports were intended to undermine Navana’s business capacity and reputation with Toyota, it added.