Antara Corporation, ranked as the third-highest potato exporter in 2020, is under investigation for fraudulent activities. The company, which purportedly exported 15,588 tons of potatoes worth approximately Tk 370 million in 96 shipments, has been found by the Chattogram Customs to have not exported a single potato. Instead, the company is alleged to have submitted falsified export documents and received Tk 75 million in government cash assistance.
Chattogram Customs authorities have identified at least 10 companies, including Antara Corporation, that have allegedly defrauded the state treasury of Tk 300 million without exporting anything. The fraudulent companies reportedly claimed to have exported potatoes worth Tk 1.64 billion ($19 million) in 422 consignments, primarily between fiscal years 2018-19 and 2021-22.
Investigation reports against the 10 fraudulent exporters were submitted in October and November of the previous year, with investigations into 48 other suspected exporting entities ongoing. Customs officials anticipate that further frauds and embezzlements will be uncovered once the investigations are concluded.
The government provides cash assistance to promote the export of unconventional commodities, including potatoes, which are among the commodities receiving the highest cash assistance of 20%. However, a significant discrepancy has been found between the export data of Chattogram Customs and the Plant Quarantine Station, raising further questions about the legitimacy of these exports.
[ Tk 100 = €0.84 ]
Source: en.prothomalo.com