The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has apprehended Sarit Vij, also known as Sarat Kumar Vij, a long-absconding Proclaimed Offender, in relation to a Rs 58 lakh fraud involving the Customs Department. The CBI had initiated the case back on June 1, 1999, against Joseph Kuok and others for allegedly deceiving the Customs Department of about Rs 58 lakh.
Sarit Vij’s involvement surfaced during the investigation as a partner in M/s PS International, implicated in submitting false duty drawback claims to the Customs Department, seeking a refund of approximately Rs 19 lakh. Despite being charged in 2003, Sarit Vij evaded court appearances, remaining elusive throughout the trial, leading to his declaration as a Proclaimed Offender in 2004.
After extensive efforts by the CBI, Sarit Vij, now known as Sarat Kumar Vij, was traced to Noida, where he had assumed a new identity to evade authorities. Following a well-planned operation supported by technical analysis, the CBI successfully apprehended him at his new residence on January 7, 2026.
