In a major enforcement action, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has uncovered a large-scale duty and tax evasion scheme at Jinnah International Airport, Karachi (JIAP), involving high-value electronics worth hundreds of millions of rupees.
The Scam Uncovered
According to FBR officials, a foreign-based ground-handling company stationed at JIAP—responsible for safeguarding goods—was allegedly involved in the scam along with certain importers. Employees of the company are reported to have issued fake gate passes and forged documents, allowing electronic consignments to be removed without the required Goods Declarations (GDs) or payment of customs duties.
Swift Action at the Airport
Following credible intelligence, the Collectorate of Customs Airport Karachi tightened controls at JIAP and seized a consignment valued at around Rs103 million. The shipment included laptops, iPads, iPhones, MacBooks, PlayStations, and memory cards. Further checks revealed that two additional consignments had already been fraudulently cleared using fake passes.
In total, five consignments—shipped from the UAE by M/s Pir Jillani General Trading LLC, Dubai—were found to have been smuggled out using this method. Together, they carried an estimated duty and tax loss of Rs384 million.
Modus Operandi
Investigators discovered that employees of the company allegedly manipulated their iCargo system to hide airway bills and issue fake gate passes. This concealment allowed the consignments—each weighing close to a ton—to bypass the WeBOC customs system.
Suspicion deepened when the company reportedly refused to share CCTV footage and key records, despite repeated requests from investigators. This raised concerns about possible involvement of senior management.
FIRs and Arrests
Customs authorities have already registered two FIRs, arrested employees, and launched further investigations. Additional FIRs and arrests are expected as the probe widens. Efforts are also underway to recover the evaded amount.
FBR’s Stance
Senior FBR leadership has emphasized that no leniency will be shown to custodians or customs staff found neglecting their duties. The operation, they said, demonstrates FBR’s determination to safeguard national revenue and restore public trust in the system.
Why This Matters
This case not only highlights the scale of tax evasion risks at entry points like airports, but also shows how coordinated action and intelligence-led enforcement can protect billions in state revenue.
For businesses, the crackdown is also a reminder of the growing scrutiny on customs processes and the importance of compliance with legal import procedures.
Tags: FBR, Customs Karachi, Duty Evasion, Pakistan Tax News, JIAP, Electronics Smuggling, Fiscal Compliance
