• I Paid A Bribe
  • 14 years ago
  • 283 views

Bribe at the airport

Reported on April 8, 2011 from Mumbai , Maharashtra  ι Report #9652

After returning for the first time from US, as a young student I was targeted at the Mumbai Airport. This was my first time experience and some of the custom workers, I wouldn't call them officers, asked me how much money in dollars I was carrying. I had some gifts and was carrying gifts for friends' families. I was a bit scared that they might confiscate somethings like watches etc. They demanded that I pay a "bribe". Yes that's right, when I asked them why should I pay them, they said it's a "bribe". They were holding me at the airport and I eventually gave them $10. I was outraged and angry at myself that I gave them the money. After that I decided I will never ever pay them, I will let them search my bags, i will show them receipts and throw them at their faces the next time. Everytime I go back, I try to look for these people at the gates who keep asking first timers and new people how much money and what gifts they are carrying.

I hope i get to deal with them again, because I want to give them a piece of my mind this time. It was a rather hurtful reminder of "welcome to India" from *******

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