KARACHI: A five-member investigation team of Directorate General of Customs Intelligence and Investigation Karachi region reached the head office of the Axact-owned BOL media group in Karachi following the expiry of the notice issued to the network.
The team headed by Director of Customs Intelligence and Investigation, Asif Marghoob Siddiqui, comprising In-charge Anti-Smuggling Organisation Haji Aslam, Akmal Hashmi, Munawwar Hussain and Qasim Alvi arrived at BOL office to verify equipment and machinery imported by the group for its media operations.
Earlier, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) issued a notice to the channel, to produce receipts and airway bills for all equipment it has imported. The notice claims the equipment had been imported illegally.
It has been alleged that the group did not pay taxes and duties on the import of machinery it has imported.
In-charge Anti-Smuggling Organisation Haji Aslam, Akmal Hashmi, Munawwar Hussain and Qasim Alvi were included in the five-member team.
As soon as the Customs intelligence team reached the office of BOL, they were surrounded by the employees of Axact and staff of the BOL media group who chanted slogans against the government.
However, after some minor hullabaloo the investigators succeeded in entering the offices. Later, after staying for over an hour they returned to their offices.
It may be mentioned here that the Customs intelligence has summoned at least three senior executives of BOL Media Group to explain their point of view over some important natured queries which has reportedly given a huge loss to the national exchequer. However, the names of these executives were not disclosed as yet. Notices were also served upon these senior executives of BOL to present before department.
