- I Paid A Bribe
- 12 years ago
- 2154 views
Paid bribe for Import clearance.
I have a friend in Korea, he had a camera lens defective piece. He is not using it any more due to that. So, I thought I would make it repaired and use it for my personal purpose. So, he sent it to me as a GIFT. The gift arrived at customs in Mumbai on "27/05/2013 07:14:28" and was held up stating - " Customs Office Customs Retained Reason: Awaiting proof of purchase/value from addressee ".
On 10th June, a person from Mumbai came to my office stating he is from customs agent and addressed the issue. He took the documents of proof for the gift and 1500/- rupees to clear the shipment.
After 5 days, he called me and stated the lens value is around 1100 USD, so I need to pay another 36000.00 (thousand) rupees to clear the same.
Then I provided few more documents stating the actual valus of the new lens is around 450.00 USD and the lens is a defective one.
Then he asked me to pay 10,000.00 rupees as bribe to clear the lens.
I asked him I cant pay that money, send the shipment back to Korea. But they hold it and stated they canot send it back or either can clear without the payment.
Then, on 24 June, again I paid 7,000.00 rupees, asked them this is the maximum I can give you.
Immediatly, they released the shipment.