Key Accused in E-Waste Smuggling Case Arrested by DRI

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) officials in India arrested a key accused in the case involving smuggling of e-waste into the country. The agency had earlier arrested two persons linked with the case.

The DRI arrested Kishore Auti, a resident of Sanpda, Navi Mumbai on Friday. Last week, it had reported arrest of two persons- Bhavik Mehta- a Kandivli-based businessman and Sagar Bangar- an in-house clearing agent, in connection with the smuggling incident.

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The case pertains to smuggling of electronic waste comprising of second-hand computers, laptops, mobiles and other electronic goods worth approximately INR 2.3 crore. As per DRI, the containers containing the e-waste were illegally emptied before customs check and were filled with corrugated paper rolls.

According to DRI officials, the containers were diverted to a godown in Bhiwandi and were opened using gas cutters without breaking the seal. The e-waste in containers was unloaded and corrugated paper rolls were dumped in its place. The doors were welded back and the containers were then sent for customs check, they said. A raid conducted at the godown premises had revealed huge quantity of smuggled e-waste.