KARACHI: Muhammad Mansha son of Muhammad Anwar, proprietor of M/s Malik Brothers Logistics, M/s ABL Shipping Co and M/s Malik Brothers Technologies Services and clearing agent approached the customs court for reducing of surety amount against bail-able warrants issued by court in two separates case of tax evasion and money laundering of Rs1,070,593,310 & Rs265,264,660.
On 6 March 2020, counsel for the accused appeared before the court and moved an application, he argued that court had issued bail-able warrants against his client for Rs20 lacs each in two case, however, his client is not in position to submit Rs40 lacs as surety, therefore, court may please to reduce surety amount and his client is ready to surrender before the court.
On last date of hearing, complainant had pointed out that he is working as assistant director audit, directorate of intelligence & investigation inland revenue, Karachi. Hence he is public servant within the meaning and definition of section 21PPC, therefore his statement under section 200 Cr. PC.
He has further stated that complaint prima-facie discloses that offences punishable under section 192, 192A & 203 of the income tax ordinance 2001 read with section 3, 4, 8 and 20 of the Anti-Money Laundering act, 2010 have been made out.
After the hearing, court passed order and observes that “I have gone through the contents of the complaint which show that prima-facie case is made out, therefore, the cognizance is taken, the complaint be registered, the office is directed to issue bail-able warrants against above mentioned suspect in the sum of Rs. 20 lacs each only, matter of to March 10, 2020 for service of BWs.
On perusal of application & attached report which investigation officer reasonably believes to be the properly involved in money laundering, I allow provisionally attachment of total 34 bank accounts appears to be involved in money laundering for a period of ninety days from the date of the order.
The investigation officer shall within 48 hours immediately after attachment under section 8(1) forward a copy of the order & the report to the head of the investigating agency in a sealed envelope”.
