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Mumbai Police have arrested three men accused of posing as customs officers to extort money from international passengers.
Who Are the Three Accused?
The arrested individuals have been identified as Mohammad Zohaib Usman Baloch, a resident of Andheri West, and Zaid Nadeem Sheikh and Saliya Saeed Ahmed Qureshi, both residents of Malad West.
According to reports, Baloch works as a delivery executive, Sheikh is employed at a call centre, and Qureshi operates a tiffin service. Police suspect that the three impersonated government enforcement officials to target passengers arriving at Mumbai’s international airport. Investigators found that the accused allegedly carried forged identity cards bearing the names of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and the Customs Department. They reportedly used these documents to convince travellers that they were authorised to inspect baggage and impose penalties.
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How Did the Alleged Extortion Operate?
The suspects allegedly approached international passengers and threatened them with fines for carrying prohibited goods or newly purchased electronic items. By presenting themselves as enforcement officials, they reportedly demanded money and valuables under the pretext of customs violations.
The incident came to light after the accused allegedly confronted Aman Hasan Mirza, a resident of Mumbra, who had arrived in Mumbai from Bangkok on Friday. According to the complaint, one of the accused grabbed Mirza by his collar, seized his passport and mobile phone, and demanded permission to inspect his baggage for prohibited items.
The suspects then allegedly attempted to take him towards a parking area. However, a traffic official noticed the confrontation and intervened, preventing the situation from proceeding further. The intervention brought the suspected impersonation to the attention of the authorities, following which the three men were arrested.
What Are Police Investigating Now?
During questioning, the accused allegedly admitted to targeting international travellers by pretending to be enforcement officials and threatening them with financial penalties. A police official, quoted in the report, said passengers carrying prohibited articles or new electronic goods were allegedly asked to pay money under the guise of fines.
Investigators are now examining whether other passengers were similarly targeted at the airport. They are also trying to establish how long the suspected operation had been running and whether additional individuals were involved.
The inquiry is expected to examine the alleged use of forged government identity cards and the methods employed to identify and approach arriving passengers. Police are also investigating whether the accused obtained money or valuables from other travellers through similar threats.
The case concerns alleged impersonation of government officials and the misuse of official identities to demand payments from unsuspecting international passengers. The arrests have brought the suspected operation under investigation, with authorities continuing to examine its possible scale and connections.
