KARACHI: The Customs Collectorate of Preventive has registered the First Information Report against Syed Tahir Abbas, for his alleged involvement in tax evasion of Rs 70,27,883, and has started investigations.
Senior Preventive Officer, Customs House, Karachi Azhar Malik, in the FIR, mentioned that Syed Tahir Abbas (occupant or driver and absconder in the case) was using a smuggled or non-duty paid vehicle or being registered on fake/forged documents, Toyota Hilux Surf, Registration No: JK-096.
The FIR mentioned that other description of Toyota Hilux Surf, includes Chassis No:VZN185-9004482, Engine No:1KZ-04170314, Model 1997, 3400 CC, golden colour and the Collectorate of Appraisement estimated its worth around Rs 26,54,678/- .
The FIR also mentioned that Customs Preventive had found the Toyota Hilux Surf parked near Electronic Market, Saddar.
According to the FIR, the accused introduced himself as a owner to the visiting Customs team, who was asked to produce the documents to substantiate the legal possession/importation of the said vehicle, to which he showed a Certificate of Registration bearing No:039278 of Federal Capital Islamabad, showing detail of vehicle as Toyota Hilux Surf, Pick-up, Registration No:JK-096, Chassis No:VZN185-9004482, Engine No:1KZ-04170314, Model 1997, 3400 C, Colour Golden, registered in the name of Wali Khan of District North Waziristan.
However, the FIR stated, Syed Tahir Abbas, failed to produce any document to substantiate the lawful import/procurement of the mentioned vehicle.
The FIR revealed that vehicle was taken into possession for investigation and production of documents in presence of musheers namely sepoy Abdul Waheed and sepoy Mohsin Mughal under mushirnama prepared on the spot and escorted at ASO/HQ, NMB Wharf, Karachi where detail examination of the said vehicle carried out in presence of musheers and claimant owner.
The FIR said that Customs official asked concerned sections for verification of the import status of the vehicle with the help of chassis number as apparent from the registration book.
It also stated that the M/s PRAL Customs, User Support Group, Custom House, Karachi, confirmed that records of imports of vehicle bearing chassis No:VZN185-9004482 not found in the system while the Excise and Taxation Office, Motor Registering Authority, Islamabad, does not provide any response.
It also shows that in light of all verification reports, the owner has no documents to prove that mentioned vehicle was owned by him.
The FIR claimed that the vehicle has been seized for violating Section 2(s) and 178 of Customs Act 1969 punishable under clause (8) and (89) of Section 156(I) ibid.
