Customs pursues two arriving passengers over USD 1.8 lakh found concealed in bags
Customs prosecutors in Mumbai charged arriving passengers after about USD 1,80,000 in concealed currency was recovered from handbags. The trial magistrate in Mumbai acquitted the accused in April 2024. The Bombay High Court granted the Customs leave to appeal on 5 May 2026 and admitted the appeal, so prosecution continues.
This page records what the cited court, tribunal and government records say happened. Findings belong to the court or authority that made them; this register adds none of its own. Names of private individuals are withheld unless a naming gate clears them.
How we verify →Acquittal is under challenge; the High Court has admitted the Customs appeal and called for records, so prosecution is pending.
What happened
The High Court recorded that the appellant was the Commissioner of Customs prosecution unit at CSMIA, Mumbai, acting through its officer, and that the trial was C.C. No. 44/SW/2021 before the Esplanade magistrate in Mumbai.
The High Court recorded the prosecution claim that a grey bag held US dollars worth 1,20,000 dollars concealed in clothes and a pink nylon handbag held currency worth 60,000 US dollars concealed.
The High Court recorded that the magistrate accepted that seizure of foreign currency from the handbags was proved by cogent evidence but acquitted on 26.04.2024 for lack of proof linking the currency to one accused and on sanction issues.
The High Court held that sanction and the alleged link to gold smuggled from Bangkok needed deeper review, and ordered that leave is granted, the application is allowed and the appeal is admitted with records called for.
What the record says
“pink coloured nylon hand bag contained currency worth 60,000 US dollars concealed.”
Commissioner of Customs, Prosecution Cell, CSMIA Mumbai vs Respondents, Bombay High Court order dated 5 May 2026 — read the full text
A peaceful economic act
Carrying or keeping foreign currency outside the authorised-dealer system harmed no complaining victim; the case punishes mere possession and movement of dollars.
What we could not confirm
Exact date and terminal of the seizure could not be confirmed from the excerpt; only the trial case number, acquittal date and CSMIA Mumbai appellant address place it in Mumbai. Total of USD 1,20,000 plus USD 60,000 is as recorded by the court.