The industry, commerce and employment ministry has once again asked its Phuentshogling regional office to investigate alleged fronting in cardamom export. This follows growing claims that regional officials are not taking adequate action. In response, the regional office said that it is meeting with around 15 cardamom exporters tomorrow to ascertain the claims. Fronting is a criminal offence where non-nationals operate businesses under licences of local citizens. BBS has learned that exporters in the border town have repeatedly flagged cases where non-nationals are directly involved in export operations, a clear violation of Bhutanese trade rules.
One exporter, speaking on the condition of anonymity said he has reported such activities to both the regional trade and immigration offices on multiple occasions.
Soon after confidentially reporting the case to the regional office, the individual and family members began receiving death threats. The matter was reported to police in both Bhutan and Jaigaon.
An individual said, “We informed the officials to come and said we have caught the suspect but they said they can’t because its holiday for them and gave excuses about attending meetings. They told us that for any information we give, our identity will be kept confidential but rather than helping me after giving them evidence, they told the other party that I am the one who made a complaint. Now I am at risk.”
BBS also talked to another exporter facing similar issues. He agreed to speak only from a secluded location, fearing retaliation.
Another individual said, “We Bhutanese exporters have been badly affected due to interference from the outsiders. We have reported to relevant officials in trade and immigration offices but nothing concrete has been done so far.”
However, the regional office in Phuentsholing said that they have been collecting evidence so that they can submit it to the police.
Exporters allege that fronting is not just widespread but openly visible in the area.
What raised even more suspicion was the sudden disappearance of several known non-national traders from public view shortly after the media published a story about fronting practices last month.
The Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Employment said they have received no formal complaints. However, the ministry had asked the regional office to investigate and submit a report in June. The office then conducted a preliminary investigation and found “no conclusive or verifiable evidence” of fronting or smuggling.
According to the report submitted to the MoICE secretary by the regional director, when trying to involve the immigration office in Phuentsholing for a stakeholder meeting, the office gave little input, as they said their role in investigating illegal trade is limited.
Meanwhile, the ministry has instructed its regional office to reopen the investigation.
