LAHORE: The Collectorate of Customs Appraisement (West) in Lahore has registered a First Information Report (FIR) against multiple individuals and companies for alleged misdeclaration, fiscal fraud, and tampering with goods in a customs-bonded area. The case involves imported electronics worth approximately Rs. 7.9 million, with an estimated duty and tax evasion of Rs. 2.5 million.
The FIR names the following accused:
1. M/s Tokyo IT Solutions (SMC-Private) Ltd, an importer based in Gujranwala.
2. M/s Seagulls International, a clearing agency, along with its representatives Saqib Sultan, Khawar Butt, Kamran (alias Toka), Muhammad Hafeez, and Rana Tajjamal.
3. Customs Inspector Umar Mahboob and other unknown individuals.
The case stems from a consignment imported from the UAE, consisting of used and new electronic goods, including laptops, personal computers, and chargers. The container was initially placed under official hold by the Facilitation Mechanism Unit (FMU) on March 29, 2025, following a tip-off. However, before the FMU team could conduct a formal examination, the accused allegedly broke into the container, tampered with the goods, and attempted to conceal the actual contents.
CCTV footage obtained from NLC authorities revealed unauthorized access to the container between 5:00 PM and 9:15 PM on March 29. The footage showed the accused removing stickers and altering the goods, likely to evade duties and taxes.
A joint examination conducted on April 7, 2025, uncovered significant discrepancies between the initial inventory and the actual contents. Key findings include:
– 533 missing laptops (Core i3) and 394 excess laptops (Core i5).
– 112 additional laptops (Core i7) and 22 extra laptops (Core i9).
– 171 new Apple laptop chargers not declared in the initial report.
– Differences in monitor sizes and additional accessories not originally listed.
The FIR has been forwarded to the Special Judge Customs, Taxation & Anti-Smuggling in Lahore for further legal action. Authorities are investigating the role of all involved parties, including potential collusion between the importer, clearing agents, and customs officials.
Inspector Mohsin Ali Tahir, the complainant in the case, stated that the accused’s actions were a deliberate attempt to defraud the national exchequer. “This is a serious breach of customs protocols, and strict action will be taken against all involved,” he said.