The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has uncovered a major tax evasion scam at Jinnah International Airport, Karachi. Officials confirmed the seizure of a consignment worth Rs103 million and the arrest of several suspects.
According to investigators, the fraud was orchestrated by employees of a foreign-based ground-handling company working with dishonest importers. The group allegedly removed high-value electronics without paying customs duties. Goods included laptops, iPads, iPhones, MacBooks, PlayStations, and memory cards.
FBR officials revealed that fake and forged documents were used to clear the consignments. The goods were deliberately hidden from the Customs WeBOC system to avoid filing Goods Declarations (GDs). The scam involved at least five consignments shipped from the UAE by M/s Pir Jillani General Trading LLC, Dubai. Each consignment weighed close to 1,000 kg.
The duty and tax evasion is estimated at Rs384 million. Officials confirmed that two FIRs have already been lodged, and multiple employees of the ground-handling company have been arrested. Additional FIRs and arrests are expected as the investigation continues.
Investigators further discovered that the company’s staff manipulated its computerized iCargo system to conceal airway bills and issue fake gate passes. Suspicion has grown after the company refused to provide CCTV footage and other key records despite repeated requests.
The FBR chairman and Member Customs have vowed to take strict action. They assured that no leniency will be shown to custodians or customs officials who fail in their responsibilities. They added that the agency is committed to recovering the evaded revenue and restoring public trust in customs operations.
The successful operation highlights FBR’s determination to tackle corruption and protect national revenue. Officials stressed that tighter monitoring systems are now in place to prevent similar scams in the future.
In other related news also read FBR Imposes 40% Duty on Used Car Imports
