Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has approved charge sheets against seven individuals, including three former customs officials, for allegedly embezzling approximately Tk176 crore in government revenue through misuse of duty benefits and forged import documents. The ACC’s public relations officer, Md Akhtarul Islam, confirmed the approval on Monday.

The first charge sheet accuses four people—including importers, a C&F agent, and a former customs officer—of misappropriating Tk80.92 crore by using falsified documents and low-duty goods. The second case involves three others accused of evading Tk94.61 crore in revenue through fake import declarations from China, misuse of HS codes, and forged shipping papers. The accused face charges under multiple sections of the Penal Code and the 1947 Prevention of Corruption Act.

Investigators allege the defendants colluded to defraud the state by fabricating shipping documents and falsifying customs declarations. The cases highlight persistent challenges in customs oversight and corruption prevention within Bangladesh’s import sector.