KARACHI: Customs Court framed charge on suspects namely Muhammad Shoukat, owner of M/s Muhammad Shoukat and summons to prosecution witnesses for recording statement on next date of hearing, suspect 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 2 April 2022, during the hearing, above mentioned accused, special prosecutor for customs, investigation officer and others attended the court.
Earlier, investigation officer of Commissioner Inland Revenue Zone-1 Regional Tax Office Karachi submitted final charge sheet and informs the court 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 informed 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 Rs. 56, 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.