KARACHI: The Customs Court extended physical remand of suspects namely Muhammad Iqbal and Yasir Ali and sent them back to customs department, who were booked in a case of attempting to smuggle and sale of Direct to Home (DTH) equipment in open market.
The DTH equipment are used to broadcast Indian channels and transfer of money charged against these services and shifting abroad through illegal channels.
On November 03, 2018, investigation officer of Customs Preventive produced the above-mentioned suspects before the court and informed that in the light of suo moto notice of Chief Justice of Pakistan regarding availability and illegal sale of Direct to Home (DTH) equipment in open market, a team of Customs department, FIA, PEMRA raided a godown situated at Korangi No 5-1/2, Karachi.
He submitted that raiding team found thousands of different foreign-branded DTH, Dish TV Switch, STAR GOLD satellite dish Antenna HD Ready, Dish, Platinum, Satcom, Fast Radio frequency remote control for DH (Indian) and other goods worth Rs14,295,000.
He further informed the court that investigations are in progress and after completion, outcome will also be communicated/shared with FIA and PEMRA for further course of action to be adopted invoking the relevant section of PPC, PECA, Anti-Money Laundering Act/FERA.
He argued that prosecution needs further investigation from them; therefore, the court may grant their physical remand. After his arguments, court extended their physical remand and sent them back to customs department. The court also directed investigation officer to produce them on next date of hearing along with progress report.
