KARACHI: The Customs Court Judge Syed Faiz Rasool Rashdi directed investigation officer to complete investigations and submit charge sheet against accused Syed Tahir Abbas, who was booked in non-duty paid/ smuggled Toyota Hi-Lux Surf and allegedly involved in tax evading of Rs70,27,883.
During the hearing, investigation officer informed the court that Anti Smuggling Organization, had found the Toyota Hi-Lux Surf parked near Electronic Market, Saddar. The accused introduced himself as a owner to the visiting customs team, who was asked to produce the documents to substantiate the legal possession/importation of the said vehicle, to which he shows a Certificate of Registration bearing no:039278 of Federal Capital Islamabad showing detail of vehicle as Toyota Hilux Surf, Pick-up, registration no: JK-096, chassis no: VZN185-9004482, engine no: KZ-04170314, model 1997 registered in the name of Wali Khan of district Janobi Waziristan. However, Syed Tahir Abbas, failed to produce any document to substantiate the lawful import/procurement of the mentioned vehicle.
He further informed the court that after the formalities, said vehicle was taken into possession for investigation and production of documents and customs official asked concerned sections for verification of the import status of the vehicle with the help of chassis number as apparent from the registration book.
According to the prosecution, during the investigation, forensic test report no: AIG/ FD/ Veh/ OR/ 158/2017 received from AIG Police Forensic Division Sindh, conformed that the piece of present chassis frame bearing serial number (VZN185-9004482) is wielded and replaced at the site of original chassis number.
It also stated that the M/s PRAL Customs, User Support Group, Customs House, Karachi, confirmed that records of imports of vehicle bearing chassis No: VZN185-9004482 not found in the system while the Excise and Taxation Office, Motor Registering Authority, Islamabad, does not provide any response.
After his arguments, court directed investigation officer to arrest above mentioned accused and submit charge sheet against him on next date of hearing.
The FIR claimed that the vehicle has been seized for violating Section 2(s) and 178 of Customs Act, 1969 punishable under clause (8) and (89) of Section 156(I) ibid.
