Federal Tax Ombudsman Orders Investigation Into Alleged Courier Fraud
The Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) has ordered the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to launch a comprehensive investigation into an alleged iPhone 16 courier scam involving courier company FedEx, Customs officials and private individuals. The inquiry follows a complaint alleging that a duty-paid iPhone 16 Plus was fraudulently released to another person using forged documents, raising concerns about possible weaknesses in Pakistan’s courier import clearance system.
In an order issued on Tuesday, Federal Tax Ombudsman Zafar Hijazi described the case as a possible organised fraud and directed the FBR to determine whether similar incidents have occurred across the country. The Ombudsman said the alleged manipulation of import documents and unauthorised release of a mobile phone warranted a wider investigation in the public interest.
Duty-Paid iPhone Never Reached Consignee
The case was filed by Muhammad Nausherwan Khan, who stated that his sister in Canada sent him an iPhone 16 Plus through FedEx in December 2024.
After the handset arrived in Karachi, Khan paid Rs138,526 in Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) taxes and completed the required formalities for customs clearance. Despite fulfilling all legal requirements, he alleged that the mobile phone was never delivered to him.
According to the complaint, Khan later discovered that the device had allegedly been released to another individual after a forged authority letter was used during the clearance process.
The complainant argued that he remained the lawful consignee throughout the import process but was deprived of possession of his duty-paid phone for more than one and a half years.
Customs Defends Clearance Process
During the proceedings, Customs officials maintained that the mobile phone had been released after verifying the original detention receipt, invoice and other supporting documents presented by a clearing agent.
However, the Ombudsman questioned why the rightful consignee was denied possession despite personally approaching Customs authorities to claim the device.
The investigation further revealed inconsistencies in the courier documentation.
According to the FTO’s findings, the consignee’s name remained unchanged in the tracking records and import documents, but the address and contact details were allegedly replaced with those of another individual in the airway bill and invoice.
The Ombudsman observed that such alterations suggested deliberate manipulation rather than a routine administrative error.
FTO Sees Signs Of An Organised Scam
In his order, Ombudsman Zafar Hijazi stated that the available evidence pointed to a coordinated scheme through which a legally imported and duty-paid mobile phone was allegedly diverted from its rightful owner.
He noted that the apparent alteration of shipping records and the alleged use of forged authorisation documents indicated a possible organised fraud involving multiple parties.
Although the complainant later informed the Ombudsman that his personal grievance had been resolved, the FTO decided to continue pursuing the broader matter.
The Ombudsman said the case had highlighted potential weaknesses in the courier import clearance system that could expose other consumers to similar fraud.
FBR Directed To Conduct Nationwide Inquiry
To determine whether the alleged iPhone 16 courier scam extends beyond a single incident, the FTO recommended that the FBR instruct the Chief Collector of Customs (Airports) to carry out a targeted investigation.
The Ombudsman directed authorities to obtain courier import records covering the period from January 2025 to June 2026 to identify any similar cases involving unauthorised release of imported goods.
The inquiry will also examine the alleged use of forged authority letters and investigate whether any Customs officials or private individuals facilitated the fraudulent clearance of courier shipments.
Where sufficient evidence is found, the Ombudsman recommended initiating both legal and disciplinary proceedings against those responsible.
Standard Operating Procedures Recommended
In addition to the investigation, the FTO has recommended introducing a uniform standard operating procedure (SOP) for courier import clearances at all international airports in Pakistan.
The proposed reforms are intended to strengthen verification procedures, improve accountability and reduce the risk of imported goods being released to unauthorised individuals.
Officials believe that standardised clearance procedures could help protect legitimate importers, improve transparency and restore public confidence in Pakistan’s courier and customs systems.
The FTO emphasised that the inquiry should not only establish responsibility for the alleged fraud but also identify systemic weaknesses that may have enabled such incidents to occur.
The investigation is expected to determine whether the case was an isolated occurrence or part of a broader pattern affecting courier imports across the country.