CBI probes ex-Customs judge in $ 50K bribery case

CBI is investigating a former Customs tribunal judge for allegedly taking a $ 50,000 bribe to overturn a large fine imposed on a US firm for undervaluing an import of oil exploration equipment. CBI began the probe this February after the Prime Minister's Office forwarded details of the alleged deal provided by US authorities.

In 2002, Customs in Mumbai seized an oil rig imported by the US company. The company went in appeal to the Customs Tribunal against the order of the Customs commissioner. In 2003, about a month before he retired, the tribunal judge ruled in favour of the American company, sources in the CBI said.

The judge allegedly invested the bribe money in properties in Mumbai, Goa and Ahmedabad. CBI identified the properties recently — all purchased after the judge retired — and was now working to track the circuitous route by which the money was delivered, the sources said.

Investigators are learnt to have identified some middlemen and clearing agents who allegedly played a role in the deal. This case is believed to be among at least five similar cases in which corruption by members of the tribunal is suspected.

US investigators are believed to have stumbled upon evidence of a large payout to the Indian contact of the firm, following which they alerted their Indian counterparts and informed the PMO. The case was initially with the CBI's anti-corruption unit in Mumbai, but because the PMO was monitoring, it was moved to Delhi. CBI is learnt to have sent a letter rogatory to the US seeking more information.

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