Islamabad, October 3, 2025 – The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has uncovered a major fraud at Jinnah International Airport, Karachi, involving the illegal removal of high-value electronic consignments without filing Goods Declarations (GDs) or paying customs duties and taxes.
According to initial findings, the fraud was carried out by employees of a foreign-based ground-handling company, entrusted as custodian of the goods, in collusion with importers. Fake and forged documents were created by company staff to facilitate the unlawful clearance of consignments worth hundreds of millions of rupees.
The scheme was exposed after credible intelligence prompted tighter controls at the airport. A timely intervention led to the interception of a consignment valued at Rs103 million, which included laptops, iPads, iPhones, MacBooks, PlayStations, and memory cards. Further inquiry revealed that two consignments had already been cleared fraudulently through fake gate passes. The Collectorate of Customs Airport Karachi has since registered two FIRs and arrested employees directly linked to the fraud.
Investigations confirmed that a total of five consignments, shipped from the UAE by M/s Pir Jillani General Trading LLC, Dubai, were removed using this fraudulent method. By manipulating the computerized iCargo system and concealing airway bills, the perpetrators prevented entries in the WeBOC system, enabling illicit clearance. The estimated value of duty and taxes evaded stands at Rs384 million.
Officials noted that the company refused to share CCTV footage and vital records, raising suspicion of complicity at senior levels. FIRs have been lodged, arrests made, and recovery efforts are ongoing. The FBR emphasized its determination to fully prosecute all involved, underscoring that custodians and officials who fail in their duty will face strict accountability.