Customs Authority finds evidence in Baskin Robbins tax fraud scandal

ISLAMABAD: The Directorate of Customs Post Clearance Audit (Central) has revealed that AHG Flavours, Baskin Robbins, and Interlink Corporation allegedly used fake and tempered invoices to under-invoice goods worth Rs. 1 billion between 2018 and 2021.

According to sources, the Customs Authority received a tip-off from Abdul Qayyum Hafeez, an Islamabad-based individual, which led to the discovery of the scandal. The application, dated July 5, 2024, revealed that the annexed GDs and invoices pertained to clearances from Karachi ports, falling within the territorial jurisdiction of the Directorate of Post Clearance Audit (South), Karachi.

Earlier, Pakistan Customs launched an investigation into a case of tax and duty evasion involving AHG Flavours Pvt. Ltd. and Interlink Corporation. The Director General of Post Clearance Audit (PCA) has issued a show cause notice of PKR 150 million in evaded duties and taxes.

The investigation includes verification of value and sales invoices issued by Dunkin Brands International to AHG Flavours. To corroborate these documents, PCA wrote letters to the Consul General of Pakistan in Dubai and Houston on July 10, 2023, requesting them to engage with Baskin Robbins offices for verification.