In a startling case of impersonation and extortion, the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of Mumbai Customs, Zone III, has apprehended three individuals working for Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) for posing as Customs officers at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA).
According to official sources, the accused were allegedly operating within both the departure and arrival hall areas of the airport, where they stopped unsuspecting passengers under the guise of routine customs checks. The individuals reportedly examined baggage and demanded valuables from travellers, effectively extorting them under false authority.
Customs AIU officials grew suspicious after receiving intelligence inputs regarding the activities of certain individuals who were intercepting passengers without authorization. Acting promptly, AIU officers detained the suspects and verified that they were not part of the Customs Department.
“The three apprehended individuals were employed with MIAL but were impersonating as Customs AIU officers. They were found extorting passengers by claiming to be conducting checks on behalf of Customs,” Mumbai Customs Zone III tweeted.
The individuals have been handed over for further investigation, and authorities have assured that strict legal action will follow. “A detailed probe is underway, and necessary action will be taken as per law,” the official statement added.
The incident has raised serious concerns over airport security and the potential for misuse of official uniforms or access privileges by unauthorized personnel. Customs officials have urged passengers to remain vigilant and to verify the identity of any individual claiming to be an officer before cooperating in such checks.
Mumbai Customs has also initiated internal measures to prevent recurrence of similar incidents, emphasizing close coordination with MIAL security and airport management to strengthen vigilance at India’s busiest international gateway.
