CustomsGuard: A customs fraud detection and decision support system.

Abstract

"The importation process in Sri Lanka faces major hurdles, particularly in seaport clearance procedures, which are critical to the country's trade and economic health. This thesis examines the systemic flaws within Sri Lanka's customs clearance process that not only cause long delays for shipments, but also contribute to a vulnerability to corruption and an inflow of illegal goods. These inefficiencies and breakdowns in integrity have serious consequences for Sri Lanka's economic stability and social fabric. A thorough examination finds that the current processes are significantly based on manual processing, which includes hard copies and traditional mailing systems. Such outdated processes increase the possibility of document misplacement, data redundancy, and, most worryingly, internal corruption. The lack of an integrated, modern system to speed and safeguard the customs clearance process is a significant weakness in the national customs infrastructure. This report emphasizes the importance of solving these difficulties through technological innovation and administrative reforms to improve efficiency, transparency, and security in customs operations. By doing so, it aims to help protect Sri Lanka's economic and social integrity from the negative consequences of illegal import practices and domestic corruption.

Based on the aforementioned difficulties in Sri Lanka's customs clearance procedure, this thesis presents ""CustomsGuard,"" an innovative approach that aims to change the importation structure. CustomsGuard is a comprehensive digital platform that allows all stakeholders in the importation process to submit and maintain papers online, thereby removing the inefficiencies of manual processing and paper-based systems. CustomsGuard uses advanced analytics for performing extensive and automated cross-referencing and analysis of given documents in order to properly detect suspected fraudulent activity. This method significantly accelerates up the clearance process, increases openness, and reduces potential for internal corruption. CustomsGuard strives to safeguard Sri Lanka's economic and social integrity by simplifying processes and utilizing sophisticated analytical techniques, assuring a strong defense against illegal imports and promoting a more secure and efficient customs environment"