ISLAMABAD: Directorate General Customs Intelligence and Investigation Deputy Director Legal Headquarters Zaheer Abbas has said that under the supervision of Director General Shuakat Ali, the Customs I&I is showing tremendous performance.
During an exclusive interview with Customs Today, the deputy director said: “We have detected unprecedented cases of money laundering and unearthed various smuggler mafias. We have introduced a new strategy and policy for auction of impounded goods and vehicles and recently successful auctions are the result of this strategy.” He said, “Anti-money laundering cases are one of our top priorities and we are approaching foreign authorities in this regard.”
This policy will be implemented in all regional directorates and necessary direction has been issued in this regard and we are expecting double revenue. Currently there is no case pending before the Supreme Court. Customs I&I appeal in model Ayyan Ali case against the decision of Customs Special Court Rawalpindi, in Ayyan money laundering case is still pending before the Islamabad High court and we are pursuing it.
Zaheer Abbas said under the new strategy formed by the Director General Shuakat Ali, Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation Rawalpindi has conducted a very successful auction of 25 vehicles.
According to new policy Rawalpindi Customs has advertised the lots through social media using the web page and Face book of the auctioneer for wide publicity. Against each lot pictures of the vehicle were uploaded. This campaign has generated great interest of the general public. The negative effect of the traditional bidder mafia was broken. Approximately 1300 people participated in the auction held on 19th October.
Police help was also sought to maintain discipline and security matters. Rs.61 million were generated through auction of 25 vehicle. He explained about the new strategy of Director General Shaukat Ali and said we have control on theft of car parts in state ware house. We have declared that if any seized vehicle or goods will be damaged the officer on duty will be the responsible. This strategy has worked out successfully.
He said there are currently more than six cases of money laundering we are following in courts and in many cases investigations are underway. He disclosed that in money laundering case against M/S I.C Master director General has also approached Financial Monitoring Unit, State Bank of Pakistan for purpose of money trail to India.
There are also six other importers companies are involved in the scam. The importers have been transferring huge amounts of foreign exchange to India through UAE.
