- I Paid A Bribe
- 14 years ago
- 293 views
Bribe customs to get through customs
I arrived in Mumbai, after flying 24 hours from Chicago. I was dead tired and was not carrying anything valuable. But still the customs officer stopped me and kept my passport. When I asked, I was told that he needed to check my bags thoroughly, and that I need to wait.
After 10 minutes, he told me to pay him $100/- if I need to go through quickly and without any trouble. I told me that I am a student and that I do not carry that kind of money.
I told him that I may have $5/-, to which he said ok give me $5/-. When I opened my purse, unfortunately I had $20/- which he saw. He immediately called a policeman standing there, gave him my passport and told me go go with the policeman and make payment to him.
I wanted to get out of the airport so I went to the policeman and geve him $20/- but he refused to give my passport back. He wanted his bribe to give my passport back. So I gave him Rs 50/- which he refused as he wanted US$. He started verbally abusing me.
I told him take it or give all my money back, as I decided not to leave the airport. Then he accepted Rs 50/- and gave my passport back.
When i have leaving, near the exit game, the policeman came with another customs office and they started asking me questions, and to open my bags.
I lost my temper and started shouting that for no reson I gave $20/- to customs officer (pointing towards him) and that I paid Rs 50/- to the policeman. I told him give all my money back and that I am not leaving the airport. I threw my hand bags down.
The policeman and the customs office immediately asked me to leave the airport.
So I paid money for nothing and was humilated by the customs and policeman.
Who can we complaint in these kind of situations.
This happens everyday especially when people travell with families and kids, and are stopped and harassed at the airport (especially mumbai).