FBR Seizes Laptops, iPhones, MacBooks, and PlayStations Worth Millions at Karachi Airport
Key Takeaways
- FBR busted a large-scale duty and tax evasion scam involving the illegal removal of high-value electronics from Karachi Airport.
- The operation led to the seizure of a Rs. 103 million consignment and the arrest of several suspects, including employees of ground-handling company Gerryâs dnata.
- The estimated total evaded duties and taxes amount to Rs. 384 million across five fraudulently cleared shipments originating from Dubai.
- The scheme involved using fake documents and manipulating computerized systems (iCargo) to conceal airway bills and avoid filing Goods Declarations.
- FBR officials suspect senior management involvement due to the company's non-cooperation, and further arrests and recovery efforts are anticipated.
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) successfully busted a significant duty and tax evasion scam operating out of Jinnah International Airport in Karachi, focusing on the illegal removal of high-value electronics without proper customs clearance. The Collectorate of Customs Airport Karachi seized a consignment valued at Rs. 103 million and arrested several suspects allegedly orchestrated by employees of Gerryâs dnata, the foreign-based ground-handling company, working with unscrupulous importers. The group used fake documents to remove goods like laptops, iPhones, and PlayStations, evading duties totaling an estimated Rs. 384 million by bypassing the Goods Declaration (GD) filing system. Further investigation showed five shipments from Dubai were fraudulently cleared using manipulated computerized systems and forged gate passes, raising suspicions of senior management involvement due to the company's refusal to provide CCTV footage. The FBR has lodged FIRs and vowed strict action against any officials or custodians involved in failing their duties to protect national revenue.
