KARACHI: The Customs Court directed investigation officer to complete investigation and submit progress report against M/s Shakeel Ahmed Muhammad Ain, director M/s Steel Vision, Muhammad Abdullah son of Muhammad Akbar directors/ proprietors of M/s Cosmos Trading Development and others, who were nominated in a case of tax evasion.
On 10 2020, investigation officer submitted that EPZA intelligence staff and security staff intercepted a used black Toyota Hilux Vigo double cabin vehicle bearing registration no: KR-7676 while trying to illegally remove the non-duty paid iron and steel sheet 800 pices, approx. 500 kgs which was lying on top of the roof and rear loading space of said vehicle from KEPZ exit gate.
He further submitted that the said vehicle along with the aforementioned goods were however handed over to the customs preventive staff at gate of KEPZ after completing the necessary formalities, however, neither the incident report submitted by the customs preventive staff posted at KEPZ nor the declaration report from shift inspector (gate) KEPZ mentioned names of the persons involved in the aforesaid illegal act and boarding the detained vehicle.
He said that during the investigation, it is established beyond any iota of doubt that M/s Steel Vision, KEPZ in connivance with M/s Cosmos Trading Development, a customs agent have violated the provisions of section 19, 178 and 192 of the customs act, 1969 read with rules 226, 228, 234 and 235 of SRO 450(1) 2001 dated June 18, 2001 and others relevant sections and laws.
He argued that further investigation are still underway as CCTV footage record of movement of the detained vehicle from entry and exit gates is still awaited to ascertain the frequency and intensity of the illegal removal of dutiable goods by way of theft.
