‘Operation DigiScrap’: DRI nabs Surat mastermind in Rs23 crore racket

In a major crackdown on the illegal import of hazardous e-waste, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Mumbai, has busted an international smuggling racket attempting to bring in used electronic goods under the guise of metal scrap. Acting on specific intelligence inputs, DRI officers launched “Operation DigiScrap”, leading to the seizure of consignments worth approximately Rs23 crore and the arrest of a Surat-based businessman, identified as the alleged mastermind behind the operation.

In a targeted enforcement operation codenamed “Operation DigiScrap”, against the smuggling of e-wastes, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence Mumbai, has seized huge consignments valued approximately ₹23 crore.
DRI has arrested Surat based mastermind behind this illegal… pic.twitter.com/RkhAVPoZcU

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According to officials, the seized containers — declared as “Aluminium Treat Scrap” — were found loaded with 17,760 old and used laptops, 11,340 mini/barebone CPUs, 7,140 processor chips, and several other electronic components. The goods were carefully concealed behind layers of genuine aluminium scrap across four containers intercepted at Nhava Sheva Port. The consignment has been seized under Section 110 of the Customs Act, 1962.Investigations revealed that the arrested individual, a Director of the importing firm based in Surat, was instrumental in orchestrating the entire operation — from procurement and financing to shipment logistics and customs documentation. He has been remanded to judicial custody, and authorities are now probing his links to overseas suppliers and domestic buyers.
Officials noted that such imports directly violate several key regulatory frameworks, including the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023, the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, and the Electronics and IT Goods (Compulsory Registration) Order, 2021, which collectively prohibit the import of used or refurbished electronics without proper authorisation and BIS certification. These regulations are designed to prevent environmental degradation, public health risks, and unfair competition against India’s domestic electronics manufacturing sector.Sources close to the investigation said that the racket sought to exploit loopholes in India’s waste management and import systems, using misdeclaration tactics to evade detection. The probe will now focus on identifying international suppliers and financial intermediaries that facilitated the shipment.The DRI described the operation as part of its sustained efforts to safeguard India from becoming a dumping ground for e-waste, which poses serious ecological and health hazards. “This interdiction underscores DRI’s commitment to protecting the environment and ensuring compliance with India’s trade and safety regulations,” an official stated.

(State Correspondent)