Duty-free shop at Thiruvananthapuram airport accused of illegal liquor sales using passenger data

KOCHI: Customs officials have begun an investigation into a duty-free shop at Thiruvananthapuram airport over allegations of illegally selling foreign liquor by misusing passengers’ passport information.

The probe is being led by a special team from the Kochi Customs Commissionerate (Preventive). Investigators have already collected details from passengers who were affected, with preliminary findings suggesting that the scam has been ongoing for about two months.

According to officials, the shop reportedly offered passengers complimentary soft drinks and other perks, took their passports for scanning, and returned them. Subsequently, without the passengers’ knowledge or consent, the passport numbers were allegedly used to sell liquor beyond the permitted limits to other travellers.

An initial occurrence report has been filed, and statements from passengers have been recorded. Authorities plan to issue a show-cause notice to the duty-free shop in the next stage of the investigation.