Customs Intelligence and Investigation Directorate (CIID) has seized a consignment at Chattogram Port after discovering a BMW racing car, the front half of a BMW 740i, and five half-cut Isuzu trucks in a shipment declared as used automobile parts.
The consignment was imported on Tuesday by M/S Ayaz Auto International through Chattogram Port.
The goods had been declared as various used vehicle parts, including used differential assemblies and power steering assemblies.
According to customs officials, the shipment was exported from the United Arab Emirates by Arab Japan Used Cars and Spare Parts Company.
Following suspicion over the declaration, customs officials conducted an inspection and found substantial discrepancies between the declared goods and the actual contents, leading to the seizure of consignment.
CIID Joint Director Sagar Sen confirmed the matter to TIMES. The findings were disclosed in a press release on Wednesday.
BMW racing car in CKD condition
During the inspection, customs officials found a two-seater BMW racing car packed in a completely dismantled or completely knocked-down (CKD) condition. Preliminary assessment suggests that the vehicle is an sDrive 23i model with an engine capacity of around 2,500cc.
Customs officials added that the car’s exact model year, chassis number, and vehicle identification number (VIN), as well as the legality of its importation, will be established through technical examination and verification of relevant documents.
The detection of BMW in dismantled condition has prompted officials to examine whether the vehicle was deliberately declared as used parts to avoid applicable import restrictions and duties.
Severed BMW 740i and Isuzu trucks
The inspection also uncovered the front half of a BMW 740i. According to CIID, the vehicle is a 2016 model with an engine capacity of approximately 3,000cc.
Additionally, five half-cut Isuzu trucks were found in the consignment, with various vehicle parts packed inside their cabins alongside a range of other used automobile parts.
Officials have raised questions over why only the front section was in the shipment and are investigating whether the remaining portion was imported through another consignment or if there was an attempt to bring the two sections into the country separately for subsequent reassembly.
Finding the remaining section of the vehicle is considered a key part of the investigation.
Investigation and legal action
The findings have prompted an investigation into possible duty and tax evasion through misdeclaration.
The officials are also examining whether fragmented or cut vehicles are being imported through separate consignments and subsequently reassembled in the country.
Further legal action will be taken after completion of the verification process under the Customs Act, 2023 and other relevant laws and regulations, officials said.
