if this has been done, then it would be TOTALLY due to the IGNORANCE of the person and company that released the cargo to the consignee without collecting the relevant charges.. Especially as you mention that the shipper has sent some charges as collect from consignee.. Either the shipping line (or agent) at load port failed to manifest this clearly or the shipping line (or agent) at destination didn’t take note of the charges in the cargo manifest and released without collecting it..
Since you mentioned that the shipping line insisted that they cannot hold release of the cargo in lieu of collection of charges, it could also suggest that the destination agent might have been too lazy to check with the load port if any charges were pending (in case the load port failed to manifest it)..
The charges for any shipment from Point A to Point B must be paid either at Point A (Prepaid) or Point B (Collect or in some cases at Point C (Collect Elsewhere) which could be anywhere in the world where the shipping line has accounting facilities) with the manifest and bill of lading showing the info of where the freight and other charges are being paid, clearly..
