Customs recommends graft charges against Moosa over SUV import

Customs has recommended that the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) prosecutes controversial business tycoon Moosa Bin Shamsher on charges of dodging duty to import a luxury car.

The Customs Intelligence and Investigation Directorate (CIID) has also sought the National Board of Revenue's permission to initiate two more cases against Moosa on charges of money laundering and tax evasion for the SUV. 

CIID Director General Moinul Khan told bdnews24.com on Thursday that the car was imported in 2010 under duty-free facilities. The car cannot be registered in Bangladesh without the duty being paid, he said.

"But the car was registered in collusion with BRTA officials in Bhola in 2015 against fake documents," Moinul said and added that investigating such offences are under the ACC's jurisdiction.

He also said Moosa claimed in a fake bill of entry that he had paid Tk 1.7 million.

"But Chittagong Customs House said the bill was not submitted. He (Moosa) dodged around Tk 22.5 million in taxes in this way," said Moinul.

On Mar 21, customs detectives tracked down a Land Rover the businessman had for private use. During a drama-filled day that began with a raid on his Gulshan home, the vehicle was found in a house in Dhanmondi.

Detectives accused the businessman of buying the vehicle using the identity of one Farukuzzaman Chowdhury of Pabna.      

Moosa, Chairman of DATCO, was questioned by the CIID on Apr 7.

‪Customs officials question businessman Moosa bin Shamsher