In an extraordinary development in Isaf/Nato containers scam, the Federal Board of Revenue has handed over all the relevant record and documents to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) for initiation of criminal proceedings against the customs officials and others involved in the scam.
A senior government official confirmed to Business Recorder here on Tuesday that the FBR has given all relevant record pertaining to the Isaf/Nato containers scam to the NAB for further investigation and initiation of criminal proceedings against the culprits. "Yes we have handed over all the relevant documents to the NAB for further investigation covering the criminal side, whereas the recovery and adjudication process would be carried out by the FBR," the official added.
The Board had unearthed duties and taxes' evasion of over Rs 55 billion as 28,802 containers carrying International Security Assistance Force (Isaf) commercial cargo under Afghan Transit Trade (ATT) went missing en route from Karachi Port to Afghanistan. Besides, rest of the 322,000 containers, dispatched for Afghanistan from Karachi under non-commercial category, meant for Isaf have not been found yet, further denting national exchequer heavily.
The Supreme Court of Pakistan had issued directives to the Chairman of National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to cooperate with the FBR Chairman to initiate proceedings against criminals involved in the scam whereas the FBR Chairman was directed to conduct adjudication against the people involved in the scam whose cases would be referred to the NAB, if they are at fault.
In this scam, the loss of revenue in terms of duties and taxes was around Rs 55 billion. However, clearance collectorates have adjudicated 108 cases against 184 containers so far, whereas total liability adjudged against them is Rs 424 million (duty & taxes) along with Rs 210 million penalty (total Rs 634 million).