Mumbai: ED Arrests Lucknow Addn Director Of Customs & GST Sachin Sawant For Involvement In Embezzlement Of ₹500 Crores

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) sleuths arrested Additional Director of Customs & GST Sachin Sawant on Wednesday, June 28, a day after raiding his home in Mumbai. Sawant, an IRS Cadre officer, who previously served as Deputy Director in the ED Mumbai Zone 2, is now facing scrutiny regarding his involvement in a case pertaining to the illicit diversion and transfer of over Rs 500 crores by diamond traders/merchants.

Sawant who was posted in Lucknow was flown into the city on Wednesday.

Accused filed complaint against Sawant

The investigation led by Sawant had initially brought to light the unlawful activities surrounding the mentioned case. However, a complaint filed against Sawant by one of the accused, who was subsequently arrested, resulted in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) registering a First Information Report (FIR) against him (Sawant).

ED raids part of ongoing probe

The raid conducted at Sawant's residence by ED officials is seen as part of the ongoing investigation into the allegations against the IRS officer. The raid was conducted to gather evidence and ascertain any possible links or involvement of Sawant in the illicit diversion and remittance of funds.

 Who is Sachin Sawant?

Sachin Balasaheb Sawant who is a 2008 batch IRS officer was an OSD to present Industries minister Uday Samant when he served as Minister of Higher and Technical Education during Maha Vikas Aghadi government.

He cleared Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in fourth attempt and was ranked 414th in the examination and allotted IRS (C&CE) 2008 batch. He lived in a 200 sq feet house for 30 years with parents in police quarters before becoming IRS. His father was in the police force.

He was also posted at the lucrative Jawaharlal Nehru Customs House, Nhava Sheva before joining ED as Deputy Director on deputation.