So Near Yet 'Sofa': DRI Cracks Down On Rs 30 Crore Luxury Furniture Import Scam

Last Updated:July 23, 2025, 03:24 IST

The investigation revealed a meticulously planned operation to evade customs duties by undervaluing premium furniture sourced from top European brands

Once the furniture cleared customs, it was transferred on paper to the luxury brand’s name through a proxy intermediary, but in reality, it went directly to the brand’s warehouse or high-end clients. Image/News18

In a significant recent crackdown on customs fraud, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has uncovered a massive scheme involving the import of luxury furniture using fake invoices and dummy companies. Acting on specific intelligence, DRI Mumbai officers raided several locations linked to a well-known luxury furniture brand operating across India.

The investigation revealed a meticulously planned operation to evade customs duties by undervaluing premium furniture sourced from top European brands. Instead of declaring the real price, the accused routed payments through shell companies based in Dubai and Singapore. Goods were shipped directly from Europe to India but were declared as unbranded furniture at a fraction of their actual value. This clever paper trail using dummy importers and fake invoices allowed the masterminds to dodge customs duty worth Rs 30 crore.

Searches were conducted at offices, warehouses, freight forwarders, and customs brokers connected to the racket. DRI officials stated that the scam involved multiple layers: shell companies abroad, local intermediaries, dummy Importer Exporter Code (IEC) holders, and fabricated paperwork. Once the furniture cleared customs, it was transferred on paper to the luxury brand’s name through a proxy intermediary, but in reality, it went directly to the brand’s warehouse or high-end clients.

In a swift move, DRI arrested the beneficial owner of the brand, the dummy importer, and the local intermediary on July 21 and 22 under the Customs Act, 1962. Officials noted that this is not an isolated case. Just two months ago, in May, DRI uncovered a similar scam worth over Rs 20 crore, again involving luxury furniture brands using front companies to misdeclare imported goods.

Such frauds significantly impact government revenue and harm honest businesses that pay their dues. A senior DRI official said, “These operations create an unfair market for genuine importers and domestic manufacturers. We are determined to expose these networks and plug the leaks."

The DRI is now investigating other shell companies, dummy IEC holders, and financial channels linked to the scam. More arrests and wider revelations are expected as the probe continues.

Mayuresh Ganapatye

Mayuresh Ganapatye, News Editor at News18.com, writes on politics and civic issues, as well as human interests stories. He has been covering Maharashtra and Goa for more than a decade. Follow him at @mayuganapa...Read More

Mayuresh Ganapatye, News Editor at News18.com, writes on politics and civic issues, as well as human interests stories. He has been covering Maharashtra and Goa for more than a decade. Follow him at @mayuganapa...

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