Mumbai Customs has uncovered an alleged fraud involving the tampering of identification plates on heavy machinery imported from China — an operation that, if undetected, would have enabled the importers to evade nearly Rs 2.5 crore in anti-dumping duty (ADD).

The suspected manipulation, described by investigators as a sophisticated attempt to cheat the Indian government, surfaced between October 31 and November 1, when a senior appraising officer conducted a surprise inspection at Indira Dock. Three Chinese wheel loaders imported by an Indian company were parked in the open yard after unloading. Under Central government rules, machines with a payload capacity up to 7000 kg attract ADD, while those above that limit do not.