KARACHI: The Customs Court directed investigation officer to complete investigation and submit a progress report 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 30 June 2021, During the hearing, investigation officer of Commissioner Inland Revenue Zone-1 Regional Tax Office Karachi informed 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.
He argued that a first information report is lodged accordingly, further investigation in respect of owners of declared premises, buyers, suppliers and proprietors are in progress.
After the hearing, the court took the FIR into court record and directed the investigation officer to complete the investigation and submit a progress report for the next date of hearing.
