Bangladesh: Customs officer arrested over Beanpole Customs House gold heist

Bangladesh desk: The Criminal Investigation Department has arrested a man from Munshiganj in connection with the stealing of 20kgs gold from Benapole Customs House.

The arrested is Arshad Hossain, a customs officer and son of Azizul Haque of Mehendiganj in Barishal district.

Tipped off, a team of CID arrested Arshad from Munshiganj district on Saturday night, said inspector Sirajul Islam, also the investigation officer of the case.

CID revealed the incident on Sunday.

A court sent Arshed to jail when he was produced before the court on Sunday. Police also sought remand for Arshad, said CID.

According to the case statement, a total of 19.3kgs of gold, worth Tk 10.43 crore, were looted from the Benapole Customs House on November 7, 2019 when Arshed was in-charge of the vault of the customs house.

However, police found the vault intact. The close circuit cameras of the customs house were found closed during the incident.

Later, revenue officer Emdadul Haque filed a case with Benapole port police station.

As the key of the vault was under custody of one Shahibul, the customs authorities suspended him for negligence of duty in 2019. Police also arrested Shahibul suspecting his involvement in the incident.

Assistant revenue officer Biswanat Kundu was also arrested in the same year in this connection who made confessional statement before the court.