The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has uncovered a major financial fraud involving Baskin Robbins Pakistan, with allegations of under-invoicing amounting to Rs. 81.45 million in evaded duties and taxes. The scandal has implicated the brand’s authorized importer, intermediary firms, and customs officials in a scheme that spanned from 2019 to 2021.
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According to an FIR filed by the FIA, M/S AHG Flavors (Pvt) Ltd, the official importer of Baskin Robbins ice cream from the US, is at the center of the investigation. The company, led by CEO Gibran Mustafa and Chairman Haris Mustafa, allegedly collaborated with M/S INTERLINK Corporation Lahore—owned by Abid Riaz Bhatti and Sabir Ali—to submit falsified invoices to customs authorities.
Key Findings of the Investigation:
- Discrepancies in Invoices: The FIA found significant differences between the actual invoices from Baskin Robbins USA and the undervalued documents submitted for clearance.
- Consistent Quantity, Reduced Value: While the imported quantities matched, the declared values were artificially lowered, allowing the accused to evade taxes.
- Customs Officials’ Involvement: Imdad Ali Bozdar, a Principal Appraiser at the Karachi Customs Collectorate, has been named for allegedly facilitating the fraudulent clearances.
Legal Action & Ongoing Probe: The accused face charges under:
- Pakistan Penal Code (PPC)
- Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947
- Customs Act, 1969
The FIA has also hinted at expanding the investigation to include former Deputy Collector Customs Mohib Khan and former Collector of Customs Port Muhammad Bin Qasim, Chaudhry Javaid, suggesting deeper systemic corruption.
FIA Inspector Mohammad Tauqir, leading the probe, stated: “This was a deliberate attempt to defraud the national exchequer. We are committed to pursuing all those involved.”
Broader Implications: The scandal has raised serious concerns about customs oversight and corporate accountability, prompting calls for stricter import-export regulations to prevent similar fraud in the future.
As the investigation unfolds, the case serves as a stark reminder of the financial malpractices plaguing Pakistan’s trade sector.
