NAB hands over Rs 3.5m cheque to Customs dept

LAHORE: National Accountability Bureau Lahore Director Investigation Amjad Majeed Aulakh on Wednesday handed over Rs 3.5m cheque to an official from Lahore Customs Department.

NAB has been probing customs duty evasion cases regarding import of betel leaf from Sri Lanka and India against the officials of Lahore Customs Department, importers and clearing agents, etc. It was alleged that during import of betel leaves at Lahore airport, duty was embezzled by the importers in alleged connivance with clearing agents and officers of customs which caused huge loss to national kitty.

The investigations revealed involvement of M/s Aqeel Enterprises as an import firm which was engaged in the import of betel leaf during the tenure of 2009-2012. The firm allegedly embezzled Rs 894,243, which has been recovered through plea bargain law. Further, investigations reveal involvement of M/s Ikram Traders and M/s LSK Traders in the same case of allegedly committing a loss worth Rs 1863,742 and Rs 741,971, respectively which has been recovered through plea bargain law. The recovered amount has been handed over to the custom official for submission in national exchequer.