Customs Duty Fraud Uncovered: FIR Filed Against Karachi International Container Terminal Staff for Aiding Tax Evasio
By: IMRAN KHAN
Karachi – The Collectorate of Appraisement (West) has registered an FIR against multiple parties, including the staff of the Karachi International Container Terminal (KICT), over alleged involvement in a major customs duty and tax evasion case.
According to official sources, the FIR implicates M/s Murad Ali Trading Company (the importer), M/s Hasan Impex (the clearing agent), and two KICT employees—Labour Incharge Arshad Ali Khan and a worker identified as Salahuddin—in a conspiracy to fraudulently clear imported goods by misdeclaring their actual value and nature.
The investigation reveals that the importer, in collaboration with the clearing agent, filed a goods declaration for used plastic injection molding machines, crushers, and refurbished iron molds imported from China. However, the customs department discovered deliberate misdeclarations intended to evade approximately Rs. 2 million in duties and taxes. The actual consignment was valued at over Rs. 15 million.
Authorities further stated that the accused affixed fake identification plates on the machines to mislead customs officers, while the original plates were concealed in plastic pouches. This deceptive practice was aimed at clearing the consignment under incorrect tariff headings to significantly reduce payable taxes.
In a serious allegation, Salahuddin, a KICT employee, is accused of manipulating the examination process and pressuring the clearing agent for a bribe to overlook discrepancies. In response, Hasan Impex has also lodged a complaint accusing Salahuddin of blackmail and extortion during the clearance procedure.
The FIR underscores the need for a thorough investigation to identify all accomplices and facilitators involved in this alleged tax evasion scheme. Customs authorities emphasize that all responsible parties will be held accountable under the law.
This case highlights systemic vulnerabilities in customs enforcement and the urgent need for stricter oversight to safeguard national revenue and curb fraudulent trade practices.
