Duty-Paid Phone Allegedly Released to Another Person
The Federal Tax Ombudsman has uncovered an alleged organized scam involving the clearance of an iPhone 16 Plus.
The FTO has directed the Federal Board of Revenue to launch a detailed investigation.
The inquiry will examine the alleged involvement of FedEx representatives, Customs officials and private individuals.
Authorities will also determine whether similar mobile phone clearance frauds have occurred across Pakistan.
Federal Tax Ombudsman Zafar Hijazi issued the order on Tuesday.
He said the case indicated a coordinated scheme that deprived the lawful consignee of his duty-paid phone.
The complainant remained without the device for more than 18 months despite paying all required taxes.
Complainant Paid Rs138,526 in PTA Tax
Muhammad Nausherwan Khan filed the complaint before the Federal Tax Ombudsman.
He said his sister sent him an iPhone 16 Plus from Canada through FedEx in December 2024.
The mobile phone arrived in Karachi, where Khan paid Rs138,526 in PTA tax.
However, he claimed the device was never delivered to him.
Khan later discovered that an allegedly forged authority letter had been used to release the phone to another person.
Customs Clearance Process Comes Under Scrutiny
Customs officials maintained that the phone was released after the required documents were verified.
These documents included the original detention receipt, invoice and papers submitted by a clearing agent.
However, the Ombudsman questioned the clearance process.
He asked why the complainant was denied possession when his name appeared as the consignee on the import documents.
The FBR investigation will now examine the clearance procedure and identify those responsible.
It will also assess whether the case was an isolated incident or part of a wider nationwide network.
