KARACHI: The Customs Court approved progress report against suspect namely Muhammad Saqib Butt son of Amanullah Butt and Ali Aslam son of M Aslan, directors of M/s Ali & Company for mis-declaration and concealment of actual description, specifications and constituent material to deceive application of correct assessable value.
On 29 March 2021, during the hearing, investigation officer of Model Customs Collectorate Appraisement & Facilitation Port Muhammad Bin Qasim Karachi submitted progress report and informed that M/s Ali & Company electronically filed goods declaration through their clearing agent M/s Jazee International for the import of consignment declared to contain NGK brand spark plugs for 4 wheelers of Japan Origin, beside other items, at a declared invoices value US$ 102, 881.63.
He further submitted that the importer determined his liability of payment of applicable duties & taxes and sought clearance under section 79(I) of the customs act, 1969. The goods declaration was selected through the system for examination, on examination the declared description and part number were verified and spark plugs for four wheelers were assessed on available evaluation ruling which was meant for non-iridium carbon tips spark plugs for Japan Origin.
Investigation officer further submitted that during the investigation, it was established that the above-mentioned importer with active connivance of his clearing agent has mis-declared the description by not declaring the correct information regarding constituent material of spark plugs tip aiming to defraud the national exchequer of its legitimate revenue to the tune of Rs. 15, 260, 014 willfully and with mala fide intention on account of customs duty and other taxes.
After the hearing, court took progress report on court record and adjourned the hearing for regular proceedings.