Dhaka: Customs Intelligence and Investigation Directorate (CIID) on Thursday filed five cases with Dhaka Customs House against the owners of Apan Jewellers on charge of dodging customs duty on 15.13 maunds of gold seized from its branches.

CIID Director General Dr Moinul Khan said they filed three cases against Dilder Ahmed, one each against his two brothers -- Gulzar Ahmed and Azad Ahmed.

The Commissioner of Customs will adjudicate the cases, he said, adding that more criminal cases will be filed against the three owners of the jewellery brand in connection with the seizure of gold and some diamond from their five showrooms.

The criminal cases will be filed with the police stations concerned, he said.

Commissioner, empowered by the customs act, may in his judgment confiscate the gold and other seized goods in favour of the state and fine the accused 2.5 times of the value of the seized goods for evading the duty.

On May 14, a number of CIID teams in separate drives seized 298 kg of gold and 61 grams of diamond from Gulshan, Uttara, Mouchak and Shimanta Square branches of Apan Jewellers.