A gang of fraudsters, including a fake Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) official, three police officers, and several private accomplices, has been uncovered for illegally extorting money from cigarette transporters in Lahore. The fraudulent group posed as members of the Inland Revenue Enforcement Network (IREN) and conducted unauthorized truck searches to coerce bribes.
The Incident
The group targeted trucks carrying tobacco products at Sagian Bridge, Lahore, on October 31, posing as IREN officials. Armed with forged authority, they stopped cargo trucks, conducted illegal searches, and extorted money from the drivers and shipment owners.
The IREN, which is officially responsible for monitoring non-duty-paid goods like cigarettes, sugar, and fertilizers, launched an investigation after the truck owner lodged a formal complaint.
Investigation Findings
The investigation revealed that one of the accused Inland Revenue officials was previously transferred from Lahore to the Regional Tax Office in Abbottabad. The FIR filed by Lahore Police detailed the gang’s operation, including the involvement of three police officers and other private individuals masquerading as enforcement agents.
Action by Authorities
The Inland Revenue Enforcement Network has vowed to take stringent measures to combat such fraudulent activities and ensure accountability. Efforts are underway to identify all individuals involved in the scam and to prevent similar incidents in the future.
This case underscores the importance of vigilance in cargo transport and emphasizes the need for strict enforcement protocols to protect businesses from fraudulent schemes.
As the investigation progresses, the Inland Revenue aims to restore trust and transparency in its enforcement operations. By addressing these breaches of authority, the authorities send a strong message that such illegal activities will not be tolerated.
