iPhones seized by Customs found being sold in market

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Tax Ombudsman has issued a final warning to customs authorities following revelations that high-value mobile phones, seized at Islamabad International Airport, were being sold in the market instead of being destroyed.

Despite clear evidence implicating customs officers and staff, no action has been taken against them.

According to Express News, the Ombudsman intervened after receiving complaints that 22 out of a batch of expensive mobile phones, valued at millions of rupees, had not been destroyed as required by regulations.

An investigation conducted by the Ombudsman’s advisor, Dr Arslan, confirmed that 42 iPhone 14 Pro Max devices had been seized at the airport.

The inquiry revealed discrepancies in official records, which inaccurately showed that all 42 phones had been destroyed. In reality, 22 of these iPhones were found to be operational in the market. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has confirmed that these phones remain functional.

In response to these findings, the Federal Tax Ombudsman and relevant authorities recommended departmental action against the customs officers and staff involved at the Customs Collectorate and Islamabad Airport. However, the recommendations were not implemented by the authorities.

As a result, the Federal Tax Ombudsman Secretariat has taken a strong stance, expressing frustration over the lack of action and directing the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to initiate departmental proceedings against the implicated customs officers and staff.

Dr Arslan has issued a final notice to the Secretary of the Revenue Division, the Member Customs (Operations) of the FBR, and the Collector of the Collectorate of Customs at Islamabad International Airport.

The notice demands that the recommendations and orders of the Ombudsman be implemented within 30 days, with a report on the progress due by the end of the deadline.

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