ISLAMABAD, May 21, 2025 – In a shocking move that has rattled the corridors of Pakistan’s civil service, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has officially dismissed Inspector Customs Syed Momin Hussain Shah from service, following a sensational corruption scandal involving illegal weapons, smuggling, and undeclared luxury assets worth Rs150 million.
This bombshell dismissal was issued after a high-profile raid by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) in Hyderabad uncovered a jaw-dropping cache from Shah’s residence, including 68 licensed and unlicensed weapons, hunting trophies, jewelry, and non-customs paid vehicles. The magnitude of the findings left investigators stunned, sparking immediate suspension orders and a full-scale departmental inquiry.
The inquiry, led by Ms. Mona Mehfooz (PCS/BS-20), laid bare Shah’s involvement in misconduct, corruption, and subversive activities. Her detailed report confirmed that Shah was in illegal possession of valuable contraband and had accumulated assets far beyond his declared sources of income. Even more damning was digital forensic data from Shah’s mobile phone, which reportedly linked him directly to smuggling and other illicit activities.
Despite being given ample opportunity to defend himself—including a virtual hearing with FBR’s Member (Admn/HR)—Shah failed to present any convincing evidence. Instead, he accused FIA officials of carrying out a “personal vendetta” and pointed to a partial court acquittal in one FIR. But that defense fell flat, as other criminal charges and investigations, including one by the Wildlife Department, are still pending in court.
The FBR wasn’t convinced. In a move meant to set a precedent, the authority imposed the major penalty of “Dismissal from Service” with immediate effect, citing the need to preserve integrity and accountability in public institutions.
The gravity of the case and the scale of assets involved make this one of the most sensational dismissals in recent FBR history, sending a clear message: corruption will not be tolerated, no matter how powerful the official.
Shah now has 30 days to appeal the decision, but insiders suggest the evidence against him is overwhelming. This scandal may be far from over, as more revelations could emerge in the ongoing criminal investigations.