59 Customs officials being probed for ‘oil smuggling’ from Iran

LAHORE; Acting on directives from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), the Customs Enforcement Wing in Punjab has initiated an investigation against 59 Customs officials from Multan and Sargodha over their alleged involvement in smuggling solvent oil from Iran.

Intelligence reports have implicated these officials in facilitating the illicit transport of oil through the Taftan border to Punjab. A letter dated September 2, 2024, by the FBR’s Revenue Division to the Punjab Customs Enforcement chief collector highlighted concerns over the role of officials stationed at Taftan border and along smuggling routes to Punjab, asking for a comprehensive inquiry, with findings to be submitted to the FBR by September 20.

Multan Customs enforcement collector Imran Sajjad Bukhari confirmed that the investigation is underway but declined to comment further until the inquiry is completed.