KARACHI: The Customs Court granted pre-arrest bail of suspect namely Muhammad Mansha son of Muhammad Anwar, proprietor of M/s Malik Brothers Logistics, M/s ABL Shipping Co and M/s Malik Brothers Technologies Services and clearing agent who is booked in two separates case of tax evasion and money laundering of Rs1,070,593,310 & Rs265,264,660.
On 27 March 27, the above mentioned suspect appeared before the court along with his counsel, after the arguments, court granted his bail against the surety of Rs10,00,000 in each case and directed him to appear before the court for next date of hearing without fail or otherwise.
It needs to be mentioned here that on last date of hearing, counsel for the accused moved an application and argued that court had issued bail-able warrants against his client for Rs20,000,00s each in two case, however, his client is not in position to submit 40 lacs as surety, therefore, court may please to reduce surety amount and his client is ready to surrender before the court.
He has further stated that complaint prima-facie discloses that offences punishable under section 192, 192A & 203 of the income tax ordinance 2001 read with section 3, 4, 8 and 20 of the Anti-Money Laundering act, 2010 have been made out.
After the hearing, court passed order and observes that “I have gone through the contents of the complaint which show that prima-facie case is made out, therefore, the cognizance is taken, the complaint be registered, the office is directed to issue bail-able warrants against above mentioned suspect in the sum of Rs20 lacs each only, matter of to March 10, 2020 for service of BWs.
On perusal of application & attached report which investigation officer reasonably believes to be the properly involved in money laundering, I allow provisionally attachment of total 34 bank accounts appears to be involved in money laundering for a period of ninety days from the date of the order.
The investigation officer shall within 48 hours immediately after attachment under section 8(1) forward a copy of the order& the report to the head of the investigating agency in a sealed envelope”.
