KARACHI: The Customs Collectorate of Preventive, Anti Smuggling Organisation, NMB Wharf, Karachi as registered the First Information Report against unidentified suspect and the Customs official believes that the alleged criminal(s) were involved in tax evasion of Rs 3,137,736.
The complainant, Senior Preventive Officer, Custom House, Karachi Azhar Malik, in the FIR mentioned that credible information was received that a smuggled/non-duty paid vehicle Toyota Premio car bearing registration number plate AAH-747 is plying on road near Habib University, in the vicinity of Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Karachi.
It also mentioned that after receiving the reliable information, a team was constituted to watch and intercept the vehicle. The Customs team mounted strict surveillance in the vicinity of the spotted area and found the car parked near the private university.
As per the FIR, the occupant of the vehicle, after seeing the Customs officials coming towards the vehicle, skipped away, leaving car behind him. The Customs team waited for considerable time but no one turned-up to claim the vehicle.
According to the FIR, a detailed search was conducted in presence of musheers namely Muhammad Tahseen and Mohsin Mughal and found that ignition key was switched in the vehicle but no documents regarding the registration and import/procurement of the Toyota Premio was inside the car by its occupant.
The FIR stated that detail examination was carried out and it was revealed that it has Chassis No:ZZT240-0140149, Model 2007 (as per seat belt), used in condition and the Forensic Test Report No: AIG/FD/Veh/OR/187/2017 informed that no other number has been deciphered under the present chassis serial ZZT240-0140149.
It also claimed that the Motor Registering Authority, Karachi, informed the Customs Official that registration number AAH-747 is allocated to Honda Civic, model 1996, registered in the name of Noman Zahid while no one has come forward to own the vehicle and no document has been produced to substantiate the lawful import/procurement/possession/claim of the vehicle.
The FIR also stated that in light of all verification reports, it has been established that the vehicle was brought into the country other than specific route and Toyota Premio car, VVT 16 Valve is valued at Rs25, 47, 329/- and total duty/taxes involved around Rs3, 137, 736/- was evaded. 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.
