LAHORE: In view of illegal registration of non-customs paid vehicles allegedly by a mafia in the Excise and Taxation Department, the Punjab Anti-Corruption has started investigations to reach the criminal elements, sources said.
According to sources, the Anti-Corruption Department has already arrested a number of suspects and is looking to take further action in accordance with law. Director General Anti-Corruption Brig (r) Muzafar Ali Ranjha has directed the arrest of two employees of the data entry section of the Excise and Taxation Department. The employees are identified as Zahid and Waqas.
It is said that the data operators are allegedly involved in the registration of a large number of non-customs paid vehicles and raids are being conducted to arrest them while an employee of the Excise and Taxation Department, Shafique, and agent Serwar have already been arrested.
It is also informed that the Anti-Smuggling Department is grilling Abdul Aziz, an official of the Excise and Taxation Department, for his alleged involvement in the matter.
Sources said that the government has suffered heavy losses due to the fake registration of non-customs paid vehicles, adding that the registration of non-customs paid vehicles would continue if criminal are not punished.