Assistant Commissioner Russel Al Mamun, a recently promoted officer of the Customs and VAT Department under the National Board of Revenue (NBR), has been accused of amassing assets worth hundreds of crores of taka through alleged irregularities, fraud, abuse of power and bribery.
A written complaint containing specific allegations and supporting information has reportedly been submitted to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) against the officer, who belongs to the 11th batch of the Customs cadre.
According to the complaint, Russel allegedly built a powerful network of irregular practices while serving in several sensitive and important positions throughout his career. The complainant alleges that he accumulated substantial wealth by taking bribes and facilitating revenue evasion.
Allegations of Irregularities at the Bond Commissionerate
According to the complaint, some of the most serious allegations against Russel relate to his tenure at the then-undivided Customs Bond Commissionerate between 2018 and 2021. The complaint alleges that he illegally collected approximately Tk 700–800 million during that period.
It is further alleged that he used various loopholes in the bonded-warehouse system and conducted nighttime patrols with preventive teams in the name of preventing revenue evasion. The complaint alleges that traders were subsequently given clearance in exchange for illegal payments.
The complaint also alleges that, in addition to collecting large one-time payments from bond traders, regular monthly payments were also allegedly fixed and collected from businesses.
Alleged Proximity to a Former Commissioner
The complaint further alleges that Russel had a close relationship with a former NBR member who was serving as the then Commissioner of the undivided Bond Commissionerate.
According to the allegations, the two became acquainted while Russel was serving at Mongla Customs House, after which he allegedly became a close associate of the commissioner.
The complaint also alleges that Russel facilitated revenue evasion involving vehicle parts and other heavy imported goods cleared through Mongla Customs in exchange for financial benefits.
When the former commissioner was later transferred to the Dhaka Bond Commissionerate, Russel was also brought there in 2018 and assigned to sensitive sections, according to the complaint.
During his subsequent posting at the North Bond Commissionerate, he allegedly collected large sums of money from bonded warehouses in Gulshan and Tongi. The complainant claims that approximately Tk 10 million was collected every month from warehouses in Gulshan, while another Tk 5–6 million was allegedly collected from the Tongi Circle.
Alleged Tk 35 Million Audit Deal
A recent allegation involving an audit of an organisation named Hossain Dyeing has also raised questions about Russel's conduct.
According to the complaint, he allegedly entered into a secret agreement worth Tk 35 million in connection with the audit. It is alleged that the file was subsequently approved without proper examination or audit in exchange for financial benefits.
Following a written complaint to the NBR, an investigation committee was reportedly formed. The subsequent investigation allegedly found evidence of nearly Tk 10 million in revenue evasion by the organisation.
The complainant claims that despite the alleged irregularities, no visible departmental disciplinary action was taken against Russel.
Alleged Irregularities at Kamalapur ICD
Russel has also been accused of collecting money from importers and Customs Clearing and Forwarding (C&F) agents while serving at the Kamalapur Inland Container Depot (ICD) Customs House.
According to the allegations, importers and C&F agents were allegedly threatened with the detention of consignments or legal action if they refused to provide illegal payments.
The complaint further claims that affected businesses submitted written complaints to senior officials, including the relevant authorities, but no effective action was taken.
Allegations of Assets Held in Names of Relatives
The complaint alleges that Russel invested money allegedly obtained through corruption in real estate and other sectors.
In his ancestral area of Gafargaon in Mymensingh, he is accused of building a lavish residence at considerable expense and acquiring hundreds of decimals of land.
The complaint also alleges that he acquired plots, apartments and vehicles in different affluent areas of Dhaka. It further claims that properties were allegedly purchased or transferred in the names of his parents, siblings and other close relatives to conceal his actual wealth.
The complainant alleges that his actual assets are substantially greater than those declared in his income-tax records.
Allegations Concerning a Family Case
Russel's personal life has also come under scrutiny. According to the complaint, his wife filed a criminal case alleging domestic violence and demands for dowry. The complaint states that the case remains pending.
Efforts were made to obtain comments from Russel Al Mamun and several NBR officials regarding the allegations, but no immediate official response was available.
Sources familiar with the matter said the ACC is in the process of initiating a preliminary inquiry based on the written complaint submitted to the commission.
However, the allegations have not been established by a court or competent investigative authority. Therefore, they should be treated as allegations until independently verified through due investigation and legal proceedings.