Luxury Cars Seized in Cox's Bazar Over Customs Evasion

In an operation conducted on August 28, 2026, the Directorate of Customs Intelligence and Investigation successfully seized three luxury vehicles from the parking area of the Ocean Paradise hotel located in Cox's Bazar. The operation was carried out following an ongoing investigation into sophisticated customs evasion schemes involving imported vehicles.

According to statements provided by Rezvi Ahmed, officials discovered that used car parts were initially declared during the importation process, and these components were subsequently assembled domestically to construct complete vehicles. Investigations revealed that this method served as a primary technique for bypassing official customs duties, leading intelligence teams directly to the three luxury vehicles of Japanese brands parked at the Cox's Bazar hotel.

Detailing the execution of the raid, Rezvi Ahmed explained that the intelligence team proceeded directly to the Ocean Paradise hotel to verify the exact location of the vehicles within the parking facility. Upon inspection, authorities noted that two of the automobiles lacked proper number plates. The intelligence team subsequently informed the hotel management that the three vehicles were suspected of customs evasion and requested assistance in communicating with the individuals responsible for bringing them to the location.

With the cooperation of the hotel management, the intelligence team engaged with the individuals claiming ownership of the vehicles and formally requested them to present appropriate legal paperwork. However, the persons accompanying the cars failed to produce any valid import or purchase documents. During the on-site questioning, the young men present insisted that the luxury automobiles had been given to them as gifts by their fathers.

Authorities identified the individuals questioned during the operation as Mohammad Hasibur Rahman Sinha, Mohammad Safiyat Mahmud, and Mohammad Sarafat Rahman Ishan, who were acting as the transporters of the seized vehicles. Also recorded in the official documents with slight variations in spelling are names such as Rezvi Ahmed, Mohammad Hasibur Rahman Sinha, Mohammad Safiyat Mahmud, Mohammad Sarafat Rahman Ishan, Pronoy Chakma, Mo. Hasibur Rahman Sinha, Mo. Safiyat Mahmud, Mo. Sarafat Rahman Ishan, and Rezvi Ahmed.

Outlining the next steps in the legal proceedings, Rezvi Ahmed emphasized that the primary objective is now to uncover how the vehicles entered the country and where they were assembled. Investigators will thoroughly examine the specific import procedures and assembly locations. Authorities confirmed that if any irregularities are identified within the importation process, strict legal action will be taken. Furthermore, should evidence of smuggling emerge, measures will be pursued under all relevant laws to dismantle the entire network behind the operation.