FBR uncovers Multi-Billion rupee Air Cargo Scandal at Karachi Airport

ISLANABAD: Federal Board of Revenue has imposed a fine of Rs2.7 billion on Gerry’s Dnata after uncovering a massive air cargo smuggling scandal at Jinnah International Airport.

According to FBR officials, a network involved in the illegal clearance of expensive electronic items, including iPhones, laptops, MacBooks, and iPads, was operating through fake gate passes and without payment of customs duties and taxes.

Investigations revealed that air waybills were allegedly hidden, fake gate passes were issued, and official records were deleted to facilitate the illegal movement of goods. The FBR has also ordered the recovery of Rs221 million in duties and taxes.

Authorities stated that the goods were transported out of the airport without goods declarations or tax payments, constituting serious violations of customs laws. Several customs officers and staff members are also under investigation in connection with the case.

The probe further disclosed that fake gate passes were generated from the system of Gerry’s Dnata. Customs officials have arrested eight suspects, including five employees of the company.

A female employee reportedly confessed to issuing fake gate passes on the instructions of supervisors, while an arrested cargo agent exposed an organized smuggling network that had allegedly been active for several years.

The Federal Tax Ombudsman has also confirmed large-scale cargo fraud. Following the operation, authorities have tightened air cargo monitoring and security measures across the country.