KARACHI: The Customs Court framed charge against suspect namely Muhammad Shoukat, owner of M/s Muhammad Shoukat, who was nominated in first information report (FIR) for claiming illegal sales tax refunds on the strength of fake/ flying invoices, have committed tax fraud.
On 17 November 2021, the above-mentioned accused and his counsel, special prosecutor for customs department and investigation officer attended the court.
After the hearing, the court framed charges against him and summoned prosecution witnesses for recording their statements for the next date of hearing.
Earlier, the investigation officer submitted a progress report and informed that during the investigation, it was found that in the light of foregoing it is crystal clear that the refund claimed bogus and based on a chain for fake/ flying invoices therefore needs to be rolled back immediately. RTO concerned may be directed to initiate criminal proceedings against the fraudster unit and its department.
He further informs the court that in this way the accused mentioned above along with other persons buyers/ suppliers have caused loss to the national exchequer to the tune of Rs56,137.939 in violation of the provisions of section 2(9) 2(37) 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10, 14, 22, 23, 26 and 73 of the sales tax acts, 1990 read with chapter I and V of sales tax rules, 2006 issued vide SRO 555(I)/2006 and others.
