ISAF-NATO containers’ scam: Pre-arrest bail granted to clearing agent

Sindh High Court (SHC) on Friday granted pre-arrest bail to a forwarding and clearing agent in a case relating to missing ISAF-NATO containers’ scam. 

ISAF-NATO container scam involved the issue of missing containers that were meant for international forces in Afghanistan under the Afghan Transit Trade agreement, which caused huge loss in evasions and pilferage of duties. It was reported that a number of consignments have not reached the destination.

Applicant’s counsel Aqeel Ahmed told the court that his client was nominated in three references filed by National Accountability Bureau (NAB) relating to missing containers. He said many other co-accused nominated in case had been awarded pre-arrest interim bail by the court, so he may also be granted bail. (DailyTimes)

FBR Arrested Main Accused in 265 Missing Container Scam

DG (I&I), Federal Board of Revenue has arrested a proclaimed offender in 265 missing containers scam Mr. Jamal Durrani from Faisalabad Railway Station. According to details, in July, 2007 Director General Intelligence and Investigation, FBR detected a mega scam of 265 missing containers. These containers were removed from Port Qasim Karachi for up country dry ports under the garb of transshipment consignments but never reached destination ports. Director General Intelligence and Investigation- FBR lodged 90 FIRs and arrested about 40 accused out of which 18 have been convicted so far.

The main accused Mr. Jamal Durrani was owner of the Clearing Agency M/s N.J International which has managed fraudulent removal of containers from Port Qasim. He was declared a proclaimed offender in March, 2010 as he absconded after obtaining bail from the court on medical grounds. Since then Directorate General Intelligence and Investigation, FBR was trying to grab the accused being king pin in the case.

According to sources DG Intelligence and Investigation, FBR received information that Jamal Durrani was seen in Faisalabad. The teams were deputed to mount surveillance in the suspected area and after hectic efforts Jamal Durrani was arrested near Railway Station Faisalabad after being absconded for more than a year and a half. During the investigation, it also transpired that the authority letter to the Port Qasim authorities had been issued in his name for clearance of the containers. Moreover, the financial investigations revealed that he had received more than Rs. 10 million in his bank accounts from other fraudsters involved in this scam. DG Intelligence and Investigation, FBR has now obtained 5 days remand of Jamal Durrani and further investigation is in progress