India has decided to post more customs intelligence officers abroad in its efforts to curb trade-based money laundering and other commercial frauds.

The finance ministry has identified eligible candidates drawn from the Customs and Central Excise unit of the Indian Revenue Service and will be appointing officers over the next couple of months.

Growing network
The officials will join colleagues in the Customs Overseas Intelligence Network (COIN) and will focus in particular on fraudulent trade transactions.

There are currently nine COIN officers posted in Dubai, Hong Kong, Kathmandu, London, New York, Moscow, Singapore and Brussels.

Successful results
Additionally, three COIN units have been proposed in Colombo, Dhaka and Bangkok to focus on fake Indian currency notes smuggling. Four similar units have been proposed in Beijing, Guangzhou, Brasilia and Pretoria.

Indian customs officials say their COIN officers in New York, London, Hong Kong and Moscow have brought results.

Categories: Trade Based Financial crimes News