Billions in money laundering uncovered

Customs officials face violence, threats as scam involving 12 importers surfaces

KARACHI:

The Directorate of Post Clearance Audit (PCA) Customs, engaged in exposing a money laundering operation involving billions under the guise of solar panel imports, is facing threats from implicated individuals, according to a report submitted to Member Customs Operations Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).

The report reveals that officials of PCA South were subjected to an attack in City Court Karachi during the investigation of a massive money laundering scheme linked to solar panels. The situation escalated as threats turned into a physical assault within the premises of City Court Karachi, indicating the severity of the ongoing investigation.

The report states that one of the importers, M/s ERMI FRESH, filed a complaint with Additional Sessions Judge South Karachi, leading to an attempt to physically attack PCA officers. This comes in the context of a Rs16 billion money laundering scam involving 12 fraudulent importers.

Farhan Khalid, a representative of the implicated company, sought bail before his arrest, arriving at the customs court in a government-registered vehicle. This raised suspicions, as the investigation team obtained video evidence and photos of the official vehicle, leading to further scrutiny.

Read Rs16.2b money laundering scam unearthed

The report highlights an attempt to erase evidence, as counsel for M/s ERMI FRESH pressured the PCA team to delete photographs and video recordings. Despite threats, the PCA team resisted, leading to a fake complaint against the Investigating Officer, Syed Ghazanfar, and Assistant Director, Sultan Aurangzeb. Subsequently, during a court hearing, 50 to 60 lawyers attacked the PCA team, aiming to seize the investigating officer’s phone and erase incriminating evidence.

In response to the incident, the report calls for additional logistical support and personnel to ensure the safety of those involved in legal confrontations, highlighting the need for enhanced security protocols.

Director PCA, Shiraz Ahmad, assured the investigation team of continued support in safeguarding the country’s economic interests. The team was encouraged to face any obstacles and continue their work with dedication. The PCA, aligned with FBR’s zero-tolerance policy against money launderers, remains committed to bringing culprits to justice.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 19^th, 2024.

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