FIA launches investigation against 30 customs officials

The Anti-Corruption Circle (ACC) of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Sindh has launched a massive investigation against 30 officials of the Pakistan Customs, including additional directors and collectors.

Officials said the FIA has launched a massive investigation against Customs officials who would be investigated for corruption, abuse of power and facilitation of smugglers.

They said that at least 30 Customs officials were on the FIA’s radar and were issued with call-up notices to become part of the investigation at the ACC office on Shahrah-e-Iran, Saddar, Karachi. Notices have also been issued to retired officials.

Officials said the ACC moved two separate letters mentioning the names of 30 officials belonging to the Customs Preventive, the Collectorate of Customs, and the Intelligence & Investigation Wing of Pakistan Customs.

They said the letters were marked to the focal person for the FIA from Customs, Deputy Collector Headquarters & Establishment, Collectorate of Customs Enforcement Custom House, Karachi, and the second focal person is from the Directorate of Intelligence & Investigation, Customs, Karachi.

The FIA letter to Customs authorities reads: “Whereas I, Abdul Jabbar Mendhro, Assistant Director, an officer of the Federal Investigation Agency, Anti-Corruption Circle Karachi, am engaged in the investigation of case FIR No. 19/2023 registered at FIA Anti-Corruption Circle Karachi against officers and officials of Pakistan Customs on the allegation of corruption, abuse of official power and facilitation to smugglers.

“In connection with the investigation of subject matter, it is requested to please direct below named officers to ensure their attendance and appearance before the undersigned, along with income tax returns, and wealth declaration and assets declaration forms on the date and time as mentioned below against each for recording their statements.”

Officials said the letter mentioned Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday (November 6, November 7 and November 8) with the specific timings to record the statements of the Customs officials.