Karachi: Customs Enforcement Karachi has lodged a First Information Report (FIR) against M/s AE Solar Alternative Energy and their clearing agent M/s Stahlco International for alleged large‑scale fiscal fraud and mis‑declaration of imported goods.
According to the FIR, the company declared its consignment of 384 lithium‑ion solar batteries as IP20‑rated units, valued at USD 1,120 each. However, physical examination, user manuals, and independent laboratory testing at NED University confirmed the batteries were IP65‑rated, dust‑tight and water‑resistant, with a higher valuation of USD 1,440 per unit. This mis‑declaration allegedly resulted in tax evasion of Rs. 14.1 million.
The FIR notes: “Deliberate attempt to conceal material facts to evade the duty and taxes amounting to Rs. 14.1 million.”
The fraud was detected during clearance through the green channel, a facilitation mechanism meant for speedy cargo release. Chief Collector Basit Abbasi has now directed strict monitoring of green channel consignments. Collector Enforcement Moiniddin Wani had earlier prepared vigilance guidelines, which were pursued by Additional Collector Raza Naqvi, Assistant Collector Taufiq Shaikh, and Appraising Officers Khizar Khurshid, Imam‑ul‑Haq, and Faiz Ahmed.
Officials admit that enforcement capacity is severely limited. Only five examiners are available to check thousands of containers cleared daily through East, West, Port Qasim, and off‑dock terminals. Similarly, Appraisement South is short of appraisers, leaving its Research & Development wing inactive. An insider remarked: “Customs does not have the capacity to keep an eye and detect mis‑declaration and under‑invoicing. Major frauds are being conducted with the involvement of examination officers.”
The FIR highlights systemic weaknesses: Customs Intelligence has already been deactivated, leaving enforcement units overstretched. With facilitation mechanisms operating at scale but oversight resources dwindling, the risk of revenue loss through mis‑declaration and under‑invoicing remains high.
The seized goods are under lawful custody, notices have been issued, and efforts are underway to arrest the accused. Investigations continue, with authorities signaling tougher scrutiny of green channel clearances in the coming weeks.