FBR takes action against corruption

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has conducted a major operation against Customs officers and agents involved in corruption in the faceless assessment system and three people found involved in irregularities have been arrested.

According to officials, action has been initiated against Customs assessing officers and 45 agents, who were in contact with the assessing officers in the faceless system, have been suspended.

The FBR has registered a criminal case against the culprits. Some private individuals are also involved in the case. An investigation team has been formed, which has started conducting raids to arrest the remaining accused. According to officials, the FBR has suspended the Customs assessing officer concerned and started a formal inquiry under disciplinary rules.

Sources said that several shocking revelations had come to light in the FBR's operation. It should be noted that contact with Customs appraisers and officers, clearing agents and importers was eliminated after the introduction of faceless system.

However, Customs appraisers deliberately resorted to delaying tactics in the clearance of consignments and also created WhatsApp groups to thwart the new system. In the WhatsApp group, transactions were settled by contacting importers and agents.