KARACHI: The Customs Court issued notices to the investigation officer of Commissioner Inland Revenue Zone-1 Regional Tax Office Karachi and special prosecutor for customs department on a bail application filed by suspect namely Muhammad Shoukat, owner of M/s Muhammad Shoukat, nominated in first information report (FIR) for claiming illegal sales tax refunds on the strength of fake/ flying invoices, have committed tax fraud.
On 26 July 2021, During the hearing, counsel for the above-mentioned suspect filed bail application and argued that his client is innocent and has been falsely implicated in this court, who is ready to face trial, therefore, court may grant bail till final judgment in this case.
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 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.
