KARACHI: The Customs Court directed investigation officer to complete investigation against suspects namely Muhammad Saleem, owner/ proprietor of M/s Voroly Impex, Abdul Razzaq, proprietor of M/s Welcome Services, Muhammad Junaid of M/s Welcome Services and others, who were booked for importer with active connivance of his clearing agent deposited fake/ forged/ bogus pay orders as security for the release of its consignment.
On 4 December 2019, investigation officer submitted first information report (FIR) and informed that M/s Voroly Impex filed goods declaration declared to contain textile fabrics during physical examination it was found that the importer has declared incomplete/ vague description as textile fabric instead of the actual description polyester knitted polar fleece fabric liable to be assessed at higher values than the declared values.
He further submitted that a contravention report was framed against the importer and case was referred to adjudicating authority, after the adjudication, the department preferred appeal before the appellate tribunal, the importer and the clearing agent appeared multiple times before the officers of the collectorate and requested release of the consignment against the security amount of 20% fine which was leviable vide Sr. (i) of the SRO 499(1)/2009 dated 13/09/2009.
He argued that as bogus fabricated and forged pay order (bank instrument) cannot be honoured by the concerning issuing bank on presentation, provision of clause 95-A of the customs act, 1969 is also invoked, FIR is lodged accordingly for in-depth investigation into the matter and to unearth the actual culprits involved in fraudulent clearance of the goods.
After the hearing, court taken FIR into court record and directed him to complete investigation and submit charge sheet on next date of hearing.
