BMW Parts Concealment Exposed at Port

A shipment declared as used vehicle parts has been found carrying fragmented vehicles at Chattogram Port, exposing a major mismatch between the declared goods and the actual contents. A physical inspection uncovered a fragmented two-seat BMW sports or racing car, the front section of a BMW 740i and five fragmented Isuzu trucks. Customs intelligence is now investigating possible declaration fraud, duty-tax evasion and a potential scheme to import vehicle components separately and later reassemble complete vehicles.

The Customs Intelligence and Investigation Directorate (CIID) identified the discrepancies during a physical inspection of the suspicious shipment at Chattogram Port on Tuesday, October 6. NBR Public Relations Officer Md. Al Amin Sheikh disclosed the findings in a statement on Wednesday, October 7.

Vehicles Declared as Parts

According to customs intelligence officials, the importer is M/s Ayaz Auto International. The shipment was exported by Arab Japan Used Cars and Spare Parts Company LLC in the United Arab Emirates.

The shipment was declared as containing various used vehicle parts. However, the physical inspection found substantial differences between the declared goods and the actual items.

Inspectors first found a fragmented two-seat BMW sports or racing car. Customs officials initially believe it may be an S Drive 23i model, with an engine capacity of around 2,500cc and a possible 2009 model year.

However, its exact model, production year, chassis number, VIN and legality of import into Bangladesh have not yet been confirmed. Customs will establish these details after examining documents and completing technical verification.

BMW 740i Front Section Found

A fragmented front section of a BMW 740i was also found in the shipment. Preliminary information indicates that it may be a 2016 model with an engine capacity of around 3,000cc.

The missing rear section has raised further questions. Only the front half was found in the shipment. Customs investigators are examining whether the remaining section was previously imported under another shipment or whether an attempt is being made to bring it in through a later consignment.

Officials are also investigating whether a strategy was used to import different sections of a vehicle through separate shipments before reassembling them into complete vehicles.

Five Fragmented Isuzu Trucks

Alongside the BMW components, inspectors found five fragmented Isuzu trucks. Various vehicle parts had been packed inside the truck cabins.

The shipment also contained other types of used vehicle parts. This has raised questions not only about the accuracy of the declaration but also about the actual purpose and value of the imported goods.

Customs intelligence is preparing a detailed inventory of the recovered items. Investigators are checking chassis numbers, VINs, engine details and actual market values of the vehicles and vehicle components.

Possible Duty and Tax Evasion

CIID has opened an investigation because of the significant discrepancy between the declared goods and the items found during the physical inspection.

Investigators are examining whether the declaration was manipulated, whether the goods were undervalued to evade customs duties and taxes, and whether fragmented vehicle components were deliberately imported through separate shipments for later assembly.

Investigators will specifically review other shipment records to determine the whereabouts of the remaining section of the BMW 740i. They will also examine whether similar consignments were previously imported or are scheduled to arrive through the same importer or exporter.

Documents and Valuation Under Review

Determining the actual value of the recovered goods is a key part of the investigation. Undervaluing imported vehicles or vehicle components could directly affect customs duty and tax assessments.

Officials will therefore verify each vehicle’s model, production year, engine capacity, chassis number and VIN. Import documents, invoices, packing lists, bills of entry and other relevant records are also being examined.

Customs will also determine whether the imported goods comply with Bangladesh’s applicable import policies and customs-duty structure.

Legal Action Possible

CIID said legal action will be taken if the investigation establishes declaration fraud, duty-tax evasion or violations of import regulations.

The action will be taken under the Customs Act, 2023 and other applicable laws and regulations.

Customs intelligence has also strengthened monitoring at Chattogram Port to prevent attempts to import vehicles or major vehicle components under generic declarations such as “used vehicle parts.”

Officials said the investigation will not end with the examination of a single shipment. Previous and subsequent consignments involving similar goods will also be monitored, with particular attention to whether fragmented vehicle components are being imported separately and later assembled into complete vehicles inside Bangladesh.

//DBTech/BTR/SME/MSI//