KARACHI: Directorate of Customs Intelligence & Investigation submitted interim charge sheet before the customs court against suspect lady Maleeha Aqib wife of Aqib Ahmed Siddiqui, proprietor of M/s M.A Textiles and Rizwan Shaukat son of Shaukat Hussain, proprietor of Fazal & Co, who were booked in mis-declaration and mega tax evasion amounting to Rs 31,437,698.
On July 4, 2019, investigation officer submitted charge sheet and informed the court that a credible information was received that above mentioned importers are involved in the clearance of imported cotton blended fabric, polyester fabric, ladies shirting/suiting fabric, cotton embroidery, polyester embroidery, net embroidery, polyester pile/velvet fabric, garment accessories lace, tags and by claiming undue benefit of exemption under SRO-1125(1)/2011 as manufacturers.
He submitted that on information, a team of customs department visited address of A-25, Sector 7D/3 North Karachi on Iqra University Road, and during physical verification, although the registered person was found existent at declared address but no imported raw material was found at the premises and the capacity of the machinery found installed did not commensurate with the quantum of imports made by the unit.
He stated that moreover, neither the machinery was in working nor any labour/worker was available at the time of visit, one electric meter was installed at the premises having average monthly utility expenses of Rs2,000 per month only.
Investigation officer said that accused persons involved in the scam of massive evasion of duty and taxes by misusing & abusing the benefit of SRO 1125(1)/2011 have jointly & severely committed an offence of mis-declaration and fiscal fraud in terms of section 32(1)(2) and 32-A and 79 (1) of the Customs Act, 1969, punishable under section 156(1) (14) and (14A) Ibid and related sections.
