November 28, 2006	Tuesday	Ziqa'ad 6, 1427

KARACHI, Nov 27: The deputy collector of customs of Appraising Intelligence Branch (AIB) has revoked licences of 37 customs agents and fined Rs15,000 per goods declaration (GD).

According to customs authorities, these agents with connivance of Pakistan Revenue Automation Ltd (PRAL) and customs staff tampered the GDs to put them before appraising officers of their choice.

However, the AIB of customs intercepted these GDs and also collected the names of customs officers, thereby, avoided revenue loss to the national exchequer.

In total 19 appraising officers and 14 PRAL officials were found involved in this scam. However, only four customs officers and 14 PRAL officials have been suspended. The remaining 15 appraising officers were not issued any notices as there had been no revenue loss to the national kitty.