KARACHI: The Customs Court approved pre-arrest bail of suspect namely Rizwan Shaukat son of Shaukat Hussain, proprietor of Fazal & Co, who was booked in mis-declaration and mega tax evasion amounting to Rs31,437, 698.
On August 8, 2019, the above mentioned suspect surrender himself before the court and informed that Sindh High Court (SHC) had granted his protective bail and directed him to surrender before trail court, therefore, he is surrendering and also seeking pre-arrest bail.
After the hearing, court granted his pre-arrest bail and directed him to appear before the court on next date of hearing.
Earlier, SHC passed order that observed that “without touching merits of the case and considering the submission advanced by counsel for applicant, is granted protective bail and directed him to surrender before the trail court”.
According to the charge sheet on a credible information was received in 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.
Investigation officer submits 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 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.
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 Rs. 2,000 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 and offence of mis-declaration and fiscal fraud in terms of section 32(1)(2) and 32A and 79 (1) of the Customs Act, 1969, punishable under Section 156(1) (14) and (14A) Ibid and related sections.
