Serious allegations have emerged regarding the theft, substitution, and illegal sale of valuable goods seized by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and held in Customs custody. A formal complaint submitted to the Chairman of the FBR alleges that seized items specifically those associated with ‘Darakhshan’ (FEU), ‘Koh-i-Noor’ (FEU), ‘Mani Khwa’ (FEU), and ‘GCP’ have been tampered with. The complaint claims that original, high-value items were replaced with lower-value or different goods, and that items under official custody were sold illegally.
According to the complainant, large-scale substitution has allegedly taken place involving goods seized by Customs authorities across various locations. The complaint asserts that instead of preserving the seized valuables in their original state, they were replaced and subsequently sold.
It further suggests the possible collusion of relevant staff members and other individuals in these illicit activities. The complainant claims that video footage and other forms of evidence exist to substantiate these allegations.
Regarding ‘Darakhshan’ (FEU) specifically, the complaint alleges that the seized inventory was tampered with, replacing the original, valuable items with goods of lower value or different nature. It is alleged that certain items including betel nut (chhalia) and other goods were swapped and sold. This situation not only raises serious questions regarding the security of goods held in official custody but also indicates a potential financial loss to the national exchequer.
Furthermore, the complaint highlights the broader issue of replacing original, high-value goods with items of lesser value or different descriptions. It is alleged that the original seized goods were removed and replaced with other items, in an attempt to conceal discrepancies between the official records and the actual goods present during legal proceedings. The petitioner has requested an immediate inspection of the relevant warehouses and storage facilities, along with a formal reconciliation of the records, inventory, and the physical stock of the seized goods.
Serious allegations have also been raised regarding the Koh-i-Noor (FEU) facility. According to the petition, the relevant inspector, Waqar Ahmed, allegedly tampered with and substituted the seized goods. It is claimed that the original items were replaced with different goods, while some of the seized stock was moved to various warehouses and factories. The petitioner asserts that video footage and other evidence exist, which could serve as a basis for an investigation.
The petition also addresses matters concerning Mani Khwa (FEU) and GCP, where complaints have been lodged regarding the tampering with and theft of valuable seized goods. The petitioner suggests that a thorough review of the current condition of the goods, the official records, and the existing stock at these locations could reveal the truth behind the alleged irregularities.
A request has been made to the Chairman of the FBR to suspend the auction and sale of seized goods at the relevant locations including Darakhshan and Koh-i-Noor pending the completion of an investigation. Furthermore, an immediate audit of all warehouses, storage facilities, and associated records has been requested.
The petition also calls for the implementation of effective checks and balances within the systems governing the transfer, sale, and safekeeping of seized goods, in order to prevent any potential misappropriation or illicit sales. The petitioner has demanded the immediate identification of any items about the FEU and GCP that have allegedly been tampered with or gone missing.
Furthermore, the petitioner has requested the preparation of a comprehensive inventory of the original goods, and that all available video footage, USB drives, CDs, and other forms of evidence be incorporated into the investigation. Additionally, should the investigation reveal negligence, collusion, or corruption on the part of the relevant officers or personnel, strict departmental and legal action should be initiated against them in accordance with the law.
This matter raises a critical question for the FBR and Customs authorities regarding the efficacy of the systems in place for the security and oversight of goods seized and held in official custody.
However, an independent and transparent investigation into the allegations along with the presentation of the relevant authorities’ stance is essential to establish the facts and to hold those responsible for any potential loss to the national exchequer accountable under the law.
