The Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) has ordered the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to investigate an alleged organized scam involving the import and clearance of an iPhone 16 Plus, while directing Customs authorities to examine whether similar cases have occurred across Pakistan.
In an order issued by Federal Tax Ombudsman Zafar Hijazi, the FTO said the case pointed to a possible coordinated fraud in which a duty-paid mobile phone remained undelivered to its rightful owner for over 18 months despite all applicable taxes being paid.
The case relates to a complaint filed by Muhammad Nausherwan Khan, who said his sister shipped him an iPhone 16 Plus from Canada through FedEx in December 2024. After the handset arrived in Karachi, he paid PTA taxes amounting to Rs. 138,526 but alleged that the phone was never handed over to him.
According to the complaint, the device was instead released to another person on the basis of a forged authorization letter.
During the inquiry, Customs officials maintained that the phone had been cleared after verifying the detention receipt, invoice, and supporting documents submitted by a clearing agent. However, the FTO questioned why the original consignee—whose name remained unchanged in the import records—was denied delivery despite personally approaching Customs authorities.
The Ombudsman noted that although the consignee’s name was unchanged, the address and contact details on the airway bill and invoice had allegedly been altered and replaced with those of another individual. The order said the apparent manipulation suggested a possible organized scheme rather than an isolated incident.
Although the complainant later informed the FTO that his grievance had been resolved, the Ombudsman decided to continue the proceedings in the public interest.
The FTO has recommended that the FBR direct the Chief Collector of Customs (Airports) to investigate the alleged involvement of FedEx, Customs officials, clearing agents, and other private individuals. It also called for a review of courier import records from January 2025 to June 2026 to identify similar cases and examine the alleged use of forged authorization letters.
The Ombudsman further recommended legal or departmental action against those found responsible, the introduction of a uniform standard operating procedure (SOP) for courier clearances at all international airports, regular training of Customs officials, and submission of a compliance report within 45 days.
