BMW Assembled from Imported Parts Seized in Chattogram by CIID

A BMW allegedly imported into Chattogram as separate parts and later assembled locally into a complete vehicle has been seized by the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Directorate (CIID), Chattogram Regional Office.

According to CIID sources, the vehicle was seized during an operation conducted today based on information received by the agency. Preliminary findings suggest that the BMW was not imported as a complete vehicle but was brought into Chattogram from Dubai in separate parts.

The parts were allegedly cleared through Chattogram Port and subsequently taken to an area in Kaptai/Chandraghona, where they were assembled. The vehicle was later taken to an automobile garage named ‘Auto Shop Fast Repair’ in Muradpur, Chattogram, where the remaining work was allegedly completed before it was put on the road as a fully assembled BMW.

Preliminary information indicates that the vehicle is a 2014-model BMW. After being locally assembled, it was allegedly operated using the registration number of an older BMW. The registration number reportedly used was Chattogram Metro-Gha-11-3651.

According to the allegations, the vehicle was later kept in the parking area of a building in the Rahmatganj area of Chattogram.

CIID has also received allegations of the involvement of a person named Mohammad Ayub in the importation and local assembly of the vehicle. According to the complainant, Ayub and his associates were involved in sending the vehicle parts from Dubai, clearing them through Chattogram Port and arranging their local assembly.

However, the allegations are yet to be conclusively established. CIID is examining the relevant documents and evidence as part of its investigation.

The investigation is expected to include scrutiny of the vehicle’s Bill of Entry, Invoice, Packing List, Shipping Documents, Chassis/VIN, declared value, description of the imported goods and customs duties and taxes paid.

Investigators will also examine whether the items declared and imported as vehicle parts were subsequently assembled locally into a complete automobile, potentially in violation of applicable customs and import regulations.

The vehicle’s actual Chassis/VIN number and registration records will also be verified. If the vehicle was indeed operated using the registration number of another BMW, investigators will examine whether there are discrepancies between its actual identity and the registration documents.

The complainant has also claimed to possess photographs and videos related to the alleged assembly process. CCTV footage, garage records and other relevant evidence may also be examined to establish where and how the vehicle was assembled.

The CIID seizure is being viewed as a significant step in investigating allegations involving the importation of a luxury vehicle under the guise of parts, its subsequent local assembly and the alleged use of another vehicle’s registration number.