In a major crackdown on customs duty evasion, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has arrested two Surat-based businessmen, Sachin and Pratik Kundaliya, for allegedly evading customs duties worth Rs. 25.6 crore in the name of two different companies by undervaluing walnut imports.
The duo reportedly manipulated invoices through UAE-based firms and routed payments via hawala channels to conceal the true value of their imports.
The DRI is now probing the full extent of their operations and possible involvement of other entities in the fraudulent scheme.
Acting on specific intelligence, the agency conducted a search at Gayatri Exim, a Surat-based firm engaged in importing inshell walnuts (CTH 08023100) from Chile. Investigations revealed that the company had resorted to gross misdeclaration of value to evade duties.
During legal proceedings, Dr. Sujay Kantawala, the Counsel representing the accused, argued that his clients were innocent and unaware of any misdeclaration. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities looking into potential involvement of other entities in the scam.
