ISLAMABAD – The Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) has directed the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to conduct a comprehensive investigation into an alleged fraudulent activity involving the clearance of imported mobile phones through courier services.
The directive follows an inquiry into a complaint concerning the non-delivery of an imported iPhone 16 Plus, a case the Ombudsman believes may point to broader irregularities rather than a single isolated incident.
According to the complaint, a Pakistani citizen received an iPhone 16 Plus sent by his sister from Canada through FedEx in December 2024. After the shipment arrived in Karachi, the recipient paid the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) tax of Rs138,526 required for the device’s release.
Despite completing the tax payment, the complainant did not receive the phone. He later alleged that the handset had been handed over to another person through the use of a forged authorization letter.
During the proceedings, Customs officials maintained that the device had been released after the required documentation, including the detention receipt and invoice, was verified through a clearing agent. However, the Ombudsman questioned why the individual listed as the consignee on the import records was not given possession of the shipment despite approaching Customs authorities himself.
The inquiry further found that while the consignee’s identity remained unchanged in import records, key details such as the delivery address and contact information had allegedly been altered. The Ombudsman noted that the apparent manipulation suggested the possibility of a coordinated fraud involving multiple parties.
Although the complainant later informed the FTO that his personal issue had been resolved, the Ombudsman ruled that the matter should remain under investigation in the public interest.
The FTO has recommended that the FBR instruct the Chief Collector of Customs (Airports) to investigate the alleged involvement of FedEx, Customs officials, and private individuals. It also called for a review of courier import data from January 2025 to June 2026, an examination of suspected forged authorization letters, and legal or disciplinary action where necessary.
In addition, the Ombudsman recommended introducing a standardized operating procedure for courier clearance operations at international airports across Pakistan to strengthen oversight and reduce the risk of similar incidents in the future.
