Three held for posing as Customs officers to extort international flyers at Mumbai airport
Police say they threatened passengers with penalties over new electronic goods and supposedly prohibited items.
Mumbai police have arrested three men who allegedly posed as Customs officers to extort money from international passengers at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.
According to the police, the accused targeted travellers arriving from abroad, warned them of fines over supposedly banned items or new phones and laptops in their bags, and took money from them to let the matter go.
Real Customs officers work only inside the arrival hall’s Customs area, wear uniform and carry identity cards, and duty is paid at official counters against a receipt. Passengers approached by anyone else claiming to be an officer should ask for identification and alert airport security or the police.
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