Cochin Customs officials have launched a probe into the alleged irregularities in the export of studded gold ornaments by a Thrissur-based jewellery group through the Kochi airport.
The officials said a person, one of the two directors of Southern Gold Private Ltd., was arrested while attempting to export gold ornaments through the Cochin Air Cargo complex by incorrectly declaring the weight of the gold in the consignment.
According to the officials, the exporter had filed a shipping bill for the export of 15 kg of studded gold ornaments while the weight of the gold was declared as 11 kg. While examining the consignment, the sleuths, however, suspected misdeclaration, and a detailed examination later confirmed that the actual weight of the metal was just 5.5 kg.
“The remaining weight was adjusted using the weight of stones studded in the ornaments. On interrogation, the exporter admitted to committing the fraud for availing of duty refund,” the officials said.
Based on the finding, the Special Intelligence and Investigation Wing of the Cochin Customs has launched a detailed probe into previous exports by the firm. S. Anil Kumar, Additional Commissioner of Customs, and Ranbir Bose, Assistant Commissioner of Customs, are leading the investigation.
