Customs Intelligence raids private TV office

KARACHI: The Customs Intelligence and Investigation Friday raided the office of Axact-owned Bol TV to probe alleged duty and tax evasion on import of various equipment.
The channel was given notice three days back to provide documents of consignment clearance including goods declaration, packing list, bill of lading, letter of credit, permission for imports and airways bills etc, but the channel failed to provide details within the given time frame.
The customs authorities Friday entered the premises of Bol TV and inspected the equipment installed at various floors.The investigation team faced a strong resistance from security personnel and staff of Bol TV.Sources said about 500 people surrounded the investigation team and stop the customs personnel from entering the premises.
Sources said some senior officials from Bol TV negotiated with the customs officials and allowed them to enter the building.The team investigated the equipment and asked for their supportive import documents.Sources said the customs intelligence had information that cameras, converters, encoders, antennas etc. were imported without paying duty and taxes.
Bol TV officials failed to provide supportive documents and argued that those were at the Axact office where they had no access.Asif Marghoob Siddiqui, Director Customs Intelligence and Investigation, confirmed that the team headed by him visited the Bol office.
He said that the investigation was under way and will continue on Saturday (May 30).He said the case would be registered under the Customs law in case duty evasion was found on import of equipment.