KARACHI: Directorate General of Customs Intelligence & Investigation has been using delaying tactics and not providing the data and records demanded by Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) pertaining to corruption, embezzlement, misappropriation of funds by the staff of Customs Intelligence regarding state warehouse, Allama Iqbal town Lahore.

FIA had asked Director Customs Intelligence Lahore to provide record pertaining to 1763 confiscated mobile phones allegedly sold to CSD and record of similar transactions for the previous 10 years.

However, Directorate General Customs Intelligence & Investigation is rotating the file from one desk to another and the FIA has not been provided the required data/record so far.

Lastly, Additional Director Customs Intelligence Dr. Mumtaz Ali Raza has instructed special public prosecutor of FBR to hand over the record to FIA after obtaining necessary permission from the Judge Customs & Taxation, Lahore.

FIA authorities in a letter to Director General Customs Intelligence & Investigation, noted that any record sought under Section 94 of Code of Criminal Procedures (CrPC) doesn’t require any prior permission from any court of law.

Moreover, dealing with misappropriation and corruption matters in the federal departments is exclusive domain of FIA.

Sources said DG Shaukat Ali was openly patronizing smugglers and protecting the officials of Customs Intelligence involved in corruption. On the other hand he was victimizing the officers and officials working to stop smuggling.

Sources said FIA was also looking into the foreign visits of Customs Intelligence & Investigation officers. Sources said certain officers had been frequently visiting Dubai and it seemed that ‘deals’ were being finalized there.