KARACHI: The Customs Court directed investigation officer of Customs Intelligence & Investigation to complete investigation and submit progress report against proprietor/partners of M/s M.A. Textiles and other associates-in-crime, who are booked in a case of evasion of duty and taxes of Rs3,108,472.
On March 18, 2019, investigation officer submitted a First Information Report (FIR) before the court and informed that credible information was received that the above-mentioned importer and others are involved in the clearance of imported cotton blended fabric, polyester fabric, ladies shirting suiting fabric/cotton embroider, polyester embroidery, net embroider, etc. by claiming undue benefit of exemption under SRO 1125(1)/2011 dated 31/12/2011.
He submitted that on actionable information, a team of customs department visited premises of said importer and no imported raw materials/stock was found at the premises and the capacity of the machinery found installed does not commensurate with the quantum of imports made by the unit, moreover, neither the machinery was in working nor any labour/worker was available at the time of visit.
He further informed the court that on that situation, a consignment of the above-importer was stopped and decided to check. During the checking, customs officials found cotton blended fabrics, cotton polyester plain weave fabric, ladies shirting/suiting fabric/cotton embroidery, ladies shirting/ suiting fabric/polyester embroidery, ladies and other goods instead of declared goods.
He revealed that they evaded duties and taxes to the tune of Rs3,108, 472 and committed the offence of mis-declaration and fiscal fraud, and case was registered against them and prosecution was trying to arrest them and they would be produced before the court when arrested.
After the hearing, court took FIR into court record and directed him to complete investigation and submit progress report on next date of hearing.