Pakistan Customs (Enforcement), Karachi, has registered a case against an importer and its clearing agent over the alleged misdeclaration of imported consignments.
Authorities claim the shipments were falsely declared as scrap to evade customs duties and taxes. According to officials, the alleged tax shortfall amounts to nearly Rs. 47.95 million.
The case names M/s Shareef Enterprises and its clearing agent, M/s Express Freight Links, in connection with the alleged customs violation.
Shipments Declared as Scrap Under Export Facilitation Scheme
According to the First Information Report (FIR), the importer brought four consignments from the United States under the Export Facilitation Scheme (EFS).
The consignments were declared as compressor scrap, iron and steel scrap, aluminium condenser scrap, and remeltable scrap.
Officials said the total declared value of the imported goods stood at approximately Rs. 21.93 million.
However, Customs officials later flagged the consignments for further inspection after they had been cleared.
Physical Inspection Reveals Hidden Air Conditioners
Customs conducted a physical examination at the Al-Hamd International Container Terminal (AICT) in Karachi.
During the inspection, officials allegedly discovered 897 new portable and window air conditioners, 113 dehumidifiers, and three used water dispensers concealed behind pallets of compressor scrap.
Most of the recovered appliances were reportedly manufactured by Midea and originated from Thailand and China.
Authorities estimated the market value of the recovered goods at approximately Rs. 63.39 million.
As a result, Customs calculated an alleged duty and tax evasion of nearly Rs. 47.95 million.
Customs Alleges Deliberate Concealment
According to the FIR, the importer allegedly worked with the clearing agent and other unidentified individuals to conceal commercial goods within scrap consignments.
Officials believe the goods were imported under the Export Facilitation Scheme to avoid paying government taxes and duties.
Therefore, authorities have registered the case under multiple provisions of the Customs Act, 1969. They have also invoked relevant sections of the Sales Tax Act, 1990, and the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001.
Seized Goods Taken Into Custody
Customs has seized all recovered goods under Section 168 of the Customs Act.
Meanwhile, authorities are attempting to arrest the nominated suspects. Investigators are also working to identify additional facilitators who may have assisted in the alleged operation.
Furthermore, the investigation will examine whether any public officials played a role in the case.
FBR Transfers Two Customs Officials
In a separate development, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) transferred Additional Collector Yawar Nawaz and Deputy Collector Aqsa Aslam over the alleged misuse of the Export Facilitation Scheme.
According to official sources, the department has completed a charge sheet against both officials. The document has also been shared with senior Customs authorities for further action.
Investigation Continues
The investigation remains ongoing as Pakistan Customs continues to examine the alleged customs fraud.
Officials aim to determine the full extent of the operation and identify everyone involved. The outcome of the investigation could lead to further legal action against individuals connected to the case.
