DHAKA, Sept 1, 2026 (BSS) - Customs Intelligence and Investigation Directorate (CIID) has foiled an attempt to clear parts of luxury vehicles imported from Japan in a container declared as "used spare parts".

Acting on a tip-off, CIID officials conducted an operation and detected dismantled parts of Lexus LX 600, Lexus SC 430 and BMW M5 vehicles inside the container, along with a large quantity of other automobile parts, said a National Board of Revenue (NBR) press release today.

On opening the consignment declared as "used spare parts", the officials found dismantled components of Lexus LX 600, Lexus SC 430 and BMW M5, as well as a Honda B18C Type R engine, front half/half-cut vehicles, tyres and various other automobile parts.

According to preliminary information, the consignment had remained at the port for nearly a month without submission of a Bill of Entry, while an attempt was allegedly being made to clear it through the auction process. CIID officials foiled the attempt following a tip-off.

The authorities are conducting a detailed examination to determine whether the recovered vehicle components possess the characteristics of complete vehicles.

Based on the parts identified so far, officials are verifying whether the dismantled components constitute complete Lexus LX 600, Lexus SC 430 and BMW M5 vehicles.

Considering the Honda B18C Type R engine, front half/half-cut vehicles and other parts, the combined estimated market value of the consignment could be around Tk 9.5 crore to Tk 12 crore, according to a preliminary assessment.

The authorities are also examining the import value of the consignment, payment records, relevant commercial documents and the nature of the transactions. They are also investigating whether the consignment has any possible link to money laundering, the release added.