KARACHI: Customs Court judge Syed Faiz Rasool Rashdi sent the suspects, Faraz and Taimur Asif Khan, on physical remand till December 3, 2016. The suspects were arrested for sales tax evasion of Rs 6.118 million.
During the hearing, Inland Revenue Assistant Commissioner Imran Falak Sher produced Faraz, proprietor of Chester Bernard and Co and Taimur Asif Khan before the customs court.
The investigation officer informed the court that the suspects are knowingly filing nil monthly sales tax returns in order to evade sales tax liability which directly comes under the ambit of tax fraud as per Section 2 (37) of the Sales Tax Act, 1990. In this way both accused along with others persons have caused loss to the national exchequer to the tune of Rs 6,118,083.
He further argued that after the formalities case was registered against above named accused and others persons as commission of tax frauds as envisaged under Section 2 (37) of the Sales Tax Act, 1990 read with SRO 1125 (1)/2011 dated December 31, 2011 and the provisions of Section 2(9) 2 (37), 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 11, 22, 23, 26, 38, 73 of the Sales Tax Act, 1990 and others.
The officer said that customs department need to further probe and arrest of others accused persons whose criminal involvement in tax fraud. He argued that investigation is in under progress and requested the court may grant physical remand of the accused persons.
After the arguments, the court granted his request and sent them on physical remand. The court also directed the investigation officer to produce them on next date of hearing along with progress report.
