Chennai Airport News: Fake Customs Officer Arrested for Stealing ₹12 Lakh Gold Necklace
Chennai Airport News
A 23-year-old man was arrested after allegedly impersonating a Customs officer and stealing a gold necklace worth around ₹12 lakh from a passenger at Chennai Airport. The incident has raised concerns about passenger safety and security at one of the country’s busiest airports.
According to police, the accused, identified as Syed Mushraf from Tiruchy, was living in Madipakkam and worked as a bike taxi rider. He also acted as a broker, helping arrange rides for taxi drivers outside Chennai Airport. Investigators said he was familiar with the airport premises and used this knowledge to carry out the theft.
The incident took place when a passenger named Nandagopal arrived at the domestic terminal to collect a package from a woman who had travelled from Coimbatore. The package contained a 12-sovereign gold necklace. As the two walked through Terminal 1, Mushraf approached them, claiming to be a Customs officer. He alleged that the package contained smuggled gold and needed to be inspected. Believing him to be an official, they handed over the package. The accused then instructed them to follow him before disappearing towards the international terminal.
Realising they had been cheated, the victims contacted Customs officials, who confirmed that no officer had seized the package. A complaint was then lodged with the Airport Police. Officers reviewed CCTV footage and identified the suspect, who was frequently seen working around the airport.
Police said Mushraf later surrendered at the airport police station along with his lawyer. During questioning, he confessed to the crime and handed over the stolen gold necklace. The jewellery was recovered, and the accused was arrested before being produced in court, where he was remanded to judicial custody. Authorities have urged passengers to verify the identity of officials before handing over valuables to anyone claiming to represent government agencies.
Ajeet Yadav is an aviation enthusiast covering airline news, airports, aircraft, and industry developments through well-researched and reliable reporting.
