Businessman Arrested for Attempting to Import 100 Tons of Banned Charcoal Using Fake Government Documents

April 30, Kathmandu – Businessman Navinkumar Agrawal was arrested for attempting to import 100 tons of banned charcoal by forging government documents. The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police apprehended Agrawal on Thursday from Adarshnagar, Ward No. 11, Birgunj Metropolitan City. Agrawal, 55, is the proprietor of Simbhin International Impex based in Kalikasthan, Kathmandu, with a permanent address in Birgunj-11, authorities confirmed.

According to Section 3 of the Export and Smuggling (Control) Act, 2017, the Government of Nepal issued a gazette notification on Chaitra 24, 2076 (April 6, 2020), placing a complete ban on the import of charcoal until further notice. However, Agrawal allegedly produced a fake permit using counterfeit letterhead, stamps, and forged signatures of the former Director General of the Department of Commerce Supply and Consumer Protection, and presented this forged document at the Birgunj Customs Office to import 100 tons of charcoal, the CIB reported.

“He had engaged in this fraudulent activity before. The investigation began once the CIB became aware of it,” said CIB spokesperson Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shivbahadur Shrestha. The forgery was uncovered after the goods arrived at customs. “The banned items reached customs, and upon suspicion, customs reported to higher authorities. It was then revealed that the permit was forged,” he added.

The police stated that the customs department subsequently seized the goods. Authorities are investigating Agrawal under Chapter 25 of the Criminal Code, 2074, which deals with offenses related to documents. The CIB also noted that an arrest warrant was obtained from Kathmandu District Court for the investigation.