ISLAMABAD: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is proceeding against its officers found involved in regularization of smuggled vehicles as if it is the initiative of the FBR. Actually the fraud was caught by someone else outside of FBR and the management had to take action afterwards. The department “famous” for administering of such practices is trying its utmost that it is the internal initiative and pursuit of its ongoing transformation agenda.
Since the Motor Registration Authorities (MRAs) launch, details of 1,909 vehicles had been uploaded into the system. Upon detailed scrutiny, it was discovered that 103 of these vehicles had been fraudulently uploaded using fake user identities. MRAs had already registered 43 out of these 103 smuggled vehicles, effectively granting them an appearance of legal clearance.
FBR has issued press release in the media that the department continues to prioritize transparency, accountability, and institutional integrity. A key pillar of this reform effort is the establishment of internal checks and a policy of zero tolerance towards corrupt practices. This includes profiling of FBR’s workforce based on integrity and initiating disciplinary and criminal action where needed. It is worth mentioning here that such sentences come mostly when the corruption is point out from some powerful quarter or from the ministry.
FBR has shared in obligation to clarify its position that that in order to strengthen control mechanisms and prevent the misuse of auctioned vehicles, FBR in August 2021 introduced the ‘Auction Module’ in its WeBOC system. This system enhancement was aimed at addressing the issue of multiple vehicles being registered against documents issued by Customs after the auction of confiscated smuggled vehicles.
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Through this module, Motor Registration Authorities (MRAs) were enabled to verify auctioned vehicle details online before registration, significantly reducing reliance on paper-based manual verifications. The goal was to both strengthen institutional controls and facilitate legitimate buyers.
However, despite these reforms, reports emerged in July 2025 regarding misuse of the aforementioned Auction Module. In response, FBR immediately initiated an inquiry into the matter.
Based on a digital audit and internal investigations, FBR identified the user IDs through which the fraud was committed. As a result, on 9th July, 2025, FBR suspended one Deputy Collector and one Assistant Collector, whose credentials had been misused in the commission of this crime.
The investigation further revealed that this was part of a wider criminal racket involving officials from MRAs and car dealers. Recognizing the gravity of the issue, FBR determined that the matter warranted action beyond internal disciplinary proceedings.
Accordingly, a formal request by FBR was made on 9th July, 2025 for the constitution of a Joint Investigation Committee (JIT), comprising senior officers from the FIA, Customs, and Intelligence Agencies. The JIT was tasked with a comprehensive probe into the scam, including the manipulation of the Customs digital system.
Following FBR’s formal complaint to FIA dated 10th July, 2025, the JIT commenced its investigation. As a result, on 28th August, 2025, the FIA lodged an FIR against already identified officers, after being found involved in fraudulently legalizing smuggled vehicles.
These individuals have been formally arrested by FIA. It is also pertinent to mention that Customs Enforcement has so far lodged seven FIRs and arrested 13 individuals in connection with this broader scam.
FBR says in the prepared statement , “This action sends a clear and firm signal that the criminal elements within the organization will be identified, exposed, and proceeded against in accordance with the law. FBR remains fully committed to holding its officers accountable and ensuring that the integrity of public service is upheld at all levels and at all costs.”
But question is who believes in these claims when everyone knows smuggled vehicles are every where being used in KPK and Balochistan. Only 30 minutes drive from Islamabad and one can buy these vehicles from open lawns full of such vehicles on display? Who does not know that many sumggled vehicles are running on the roads in Islamabad, Punjab, Sindh with one same number plate that is clear legally but its copies are being used for many vehicles.
Last but not the least, about the system and module , if it could not check the registration, it means there are loop holes that need to be filled for fool proof legalization of the vehicles.
