KARACHI: The Customs Court granted pre-arrest bail to suspect namely Tariq Ghanchi, partner/ owner of M/s Iqra Enterprises against the surety of Rs500,000, who was booked in tax evasion of Rs142.08 million.
On May 21, 2019, counsel for the above-mentioned suspect appeared before the court and informed that the Sindh High Court had granted his protective bail against the surety of Rs50,000 and directed him to surrender himself within seven days, therefore, he came to the court to surrender himself and wants pre-arrest bail.
After the hearing, court granted his interim pre-arrest bail against the surety of Rs5,00,000 and directed him to appear on next date of hearing for conformation or otherwise.
Earlier, investigation officer of Appraisement West submitted first information report before the court against M/s Mohammad Trading Company, Muhammad Ismail of M/s Khalid Sanitary Supplier, and Tariq Ghanchi, partner/owner of M/s Iqra Enterprises and informed the court that an information was received to the effect that warehoused consignments of ceramic/porcelain tiles imported have been removed illegally from the warehouse without payment of customs duty and other leviable taxes, with the active connivance of the staff of bonded warehouse, importers and their accomplices.
He further submitted that during the search and checking record, it was found that consignments of tiles of aforesaid importers warehoused in the bonded warehouse revealed that 267523 SMQ were found illegally removed from the warehouse without payment of leviable duty and taxes amounting to Rs151 million.
He further said that during the investigation, it was established that aforesaid importers illegally removed bonded goods evading thereby leviable duty and taxes to the tune of Rs142.08 million. He argued that investigation is underway and progress report would be submitted on next date of hearing.
According to the prosecution, case was registered for violation of 32, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 94, 97, 98, 104, 107, 111, 116 and 192 of the Customs Act, 1969 and other relevant section and laws.
