The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Two Indonesians held in foreign currency scam

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Tuesday, Feb 05, 2008
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Two Indonesians held in foreign currency scam

Staff Reporter

Crew illegally selling marine fuel oil in bunkers
Officials seized foreign currency worth Rs. 50 lakh

VISAKHAPATNAM: Customs officials have unearthed a racket in which the crew of a foreign vessel was illegally selling marine fuel oil in bunkers to fishing and trawling vessels and collecting amounts in foreign currency.

The Customs House, Visakhapatnam, intercepted m.v. Crest Nautika and arrested its Captain and Chief Engineer, both from Indonesia, under the provisions of Customs Act, 1962 read with the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 on Monday and sent them to judicial remand. Sources told The Hindu that there a syndicate which supplies foreign currency to Indian fishermen for buying marine fuel oil from cargo vessels transporting from HPCL Visakh Refinery for supply to drilling and seismic survey vessels operating off the Kakinada coast. The foreign vessels prefer only dollars so as to carry it home after signing off at Visakhapatnam Port.

Following specific intelligence, Customs officials seized US $ 1.16 lakh, Singapore $ 15,482, Thai Baht 620 and Indian Rs.16,750, all valued at about Rs. 50 lakh. Joint Commissioner of Customs Shambhoo Nath said in a note that during questioning, collection of foreign currency in exchange of fuel to local vessels was confirmed by the crew. The fuel was earmarked for delivery to m.v. Geco Searcher and consumption of m.v. Crest Nautika.

The officials seized the foreign currencies and are conducting further inquiries to identify others involved. They asked the agents of m.v. Crest Nautika to inform the relatives of crew on the arrests. The Customs House urged people to furnish information about the smuggling. either in person or by contacting Shambhoo Nath, Joint Commissioner (2568883), Suja K.K., Assistant Commissioner (2526812) and Revenue Intelligence and Investigation Unit (2562055).

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