KARACHI: The Customs Collectorate of Preventive, Anti Smuggling Organisation NMB Wharf, Karachi has registered the First Information Report against the suspects, who were allegedly involved in evading taxes of around Rs 5,287,370/-, and launched investigation regarding the matter.
The complainant, Senior Preventive Officer, Custom House, Azhar Malik, in the FIR mentioned that Muhammad Nadeem (occupant/driver) and Muhammad Yaqoob (both absconder) were allegedly involved in a case of using smuggled/non-duty paid vehicle, Toyota Hilux Surf, bearing Registration No: CP-0693 and this particular vehicle was spotted plying in the vicinity of Gulbai area, Karachi.
The FIR mentioned that on the basis of information a team was constituted to watch and intercept the vehicle. The Custom’s team found the Toyota Hilux Surf parked near Gulbai location.
As per the FIR, the occupant/driver of the vehicle introduced himself as Muhammad Nadeem son of Allah Ditta to the team. He was asked to produce the documents to substantiate the lawful import, procurement and possession of the said vehicle.
According to the FIR, the Nadeem informed that the vehicle was purchased though public auction held at Customs, M.I. Yard and produced photocopies of auction documents consisting (i) certificate under rules 22 (ii) letter from PA Auction to the Excise and Taxation Officer, Motor Registration Authority, without number and date, (iii) tax payment receipt dated on 07/10/1990 (iv) sale voucher dated 07/10/1990 in the name of Muhammad Iqbal amounting to Rs4, 40, 000/- (v) delivery order number 1076, dated 07/10/1990 (vi) no objection certificate dated 01/01/1991 from PA (Auction), M.I, Yard, Karachi, in his support along with registration coupon number:B0187082 of government of Sindh, Karachi for the vehicle bearing registration No CP-0693 dated 18/12/1990 showing description as Toyota Hiace Surf (Station Wagon), Chassis No LN130-0009771, Model 1990, 2958 CC, registered owner as Muhammad Yaqoob son of Haji Muhammad Ishaq.
It also shows that M/s PRAL Customs, User Support Group, Custom House Karachi, clarified that no record was found against the import of said vehicle and MRA Karachi has responded vide letter No ETO/MRA(OR-A)4483 and intimated that origin file of vehicle had already been returned to its registered owner and provided computer-based detail report.
The FIR also claimed that on verification of auction documents produced by the driver, the Principal Appraiser (Auction) MCC Appraisement (East) Custom House, Karachi,vide letter No SI/Misc-02/2013-DC-E/W confirmed that (presented) documents were not issued by their office and declared them as fake/forged and fabricated.
The FIR while quoting Principal Appraiser (Auction) report said that said vehicle in question has also not been auctioned against delivery order number 1076 which was produced by the driver. In light of the investigation, it has been established that the Toyota Hilux Surf was brought into the country other than authorised route and without payment of duty/taxes and got registered on the basis of fake and fabricated documents.
As per the FIR, the vehicle has been seized for violating Section 2(s) and 32 and 178 of Customs Act, 1969 punishable under clause (8) and (89) of Section 156(I) ibid.