Customs Intelligence and Investigation Directorate (CIID) has uncovered an alleged scheme to import four luxury vehicles worth an estimated Tk 4.5 crore to Tk 6.7 crore or more by declaring them as used car parts.

The vehicles include a Range Rover Vogue, BMW 650i, Lexus LX570 and Toyota Crown Athlete. Instead of importing the vehicles as complete units, they were reportedly cut into three or four large sections and shipped as used car parts.

According to an NBR press statement issued on Thursday, the consignment arrived at Mongla Port from Japan’s Mahi Car Port. The importer was Crown Auto Mobile Services of Dhaka.

The bill of entry, numbered C-6904 and dated April 20, 2026, declared 164 packages weighing around 10,220kg under 14 categories of used car parts. These included doors, a 2,000cc petrol engine, gear assembly, suspension, shock absorbers, nose cuts, lights, fenders, cabin, steering, bumpers, differential and axle assemblies.

Acting on a tip-off, CIID officials suspended the release of the consignment. A 100% physical examination was conducted on July 19 with technical assistance from the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA), Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET) experts and artificial intelligence (AI).

During the inspection, officials found wiring harnesses, sensors and other key components attached to front cuts, complete rear/tail cuts, front and rear body cuts and roof-cut panel assemblies.

Investigators said the findings indicate that the vehicles may have been imported in several large sections rather than as separate individual parts. Reassembling the sections could potentially restore the vehicles’ original structures and features.

The investigation identified parts of four luxury vehicles. A 2017 Range Rover Vogue, manufactured in the UK, has an estimated Bangladeshi market value of Tk 1.6 crore to Tk 1.85 crore. A 2010 BMW 650i, manufactured in Germany, is estimated to be worth Tk 60 lakh to Tk 90 lakh.

A 2016 Lexus LX570, manufactured in Japan, has an estimated market value of Tk 2 crore to more than Tk 3.5 crore. A Toyota Crown Athlete GRS204, also made in Japan, was identified, although its exact details could not be confirmed. Its estimated market value is Tk 30 lakh to Tk 45 lakh.

The four vehicles were invoiced as used car parts at only $7,935, equivalent to around Tk 9.94 lakh. Declared customs duties and taxes were approximately Tk 6.07 lakh, while the total payable amount including other charges was shown at around Tk 6.10 lakh.

NBR officials said the case highlights the need for closer scrutiny of imported consignments to prevent attempts to evade customs duties by bringing luxury vehicles in large sections under the guise of used car parts.