QUETTA: As many as 22 customs clearing agents and importers were arrested on Sunday for causing a huge loss to the national exchequer while importing apples from Iran.
According to Pakistan Customs spokesperson, “Over 20 percent duty is applicable on apples imported from Iran while 10% duty has to be paid on apples brought in from Afghanistan”.
The suspects imported apples from Iran but paid duty applicable to those imported from Afghanistan, thereby causing a loss worth Rs340mn to the national kitty. Raids are being conducted to arrest five more importers who are involved in the crime, said the spokesperson.
Earlier, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Lahore had arrested nine custom officials, clearing agents and betel leaf importers.
According to details, the NAB received a complaint from a whistleblower regarding mega embezzlement in custom duty.
It was alleged that during import of betel leaves from India and Sri Lanka at Lahore airport, duty/taxes were evaded by the importers in connivance with officers and officials of customs causing huge loss of Rs 2.6 billion to the national chequer.
The complaint was based on embezzlement during the absence of collector customs during the years 2007 to 2012.
During the course of the inquiry, it was revealed that certain goods declaration (GDs) reflected duty/taxes as having been paid in full with the National Bank of Pakistan but factually no amount was deposited.
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