Man Becomes Victim of Shocking Airport Fraud After Losing Phone At Clearance

The Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) has directed the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to investigate an alleged organized scam involving the import and clearance of an iPhone 16 Plus, while recommending a nationwide review to determine whether similar fraud cases have occurred.

In an order issued by Federal Tax Ombudsman Zafar Hijazi, the FTO said the case indicated a coordinated scheme that deprived the lawful consignee of a duty-paid mobile phone for more than one and a half years despite payment of all applicable taxes.

The Ombudsman also recommended introducing a uniform Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for courier clearances at all international airports and regular training for Customs personnel.

The complaint was filed by Muhammad Nausherwan Khan, who said his sister in Canada shipped him an iPhone 16 Plus through FedEx in December 2024. After the device arrived in Karachi, he paid Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) taxes of Rs. 138,526 but alleged that the phone was never delivered. He later claimed the handset had been released to another individual using a forged authority letter.

During the proceedings, Customs officials maintained that the phone had been released after verifying the original detention receipt, invoice, and other supporting documents submitted by a clearing agent. However, the FTO questioned why the complainant, whose name appeared as the consignee on the import documents, was denied possession despite personally approaching Customs authorities.

The Ombudsman found that while the consignee's name remained unchanged in the import records, the address and contact details had allegedly been replaced with those of another individual on the airway bill and invoice. The order described the apparent manipulation as evidence of a possible organized scam that warranted a broader investigation.

Although the complainant later informed the FTO that his grievance had been resolved, the Ombudsman decided to pursue the matter in the public interest. The FTO recommended that the FBR direct the Chief Collector of Customs (Airports) to investigate the alleged roles of FedEx, Customs officials, and private individuals, examine courier import records from January 2025 through June 2026 for similar cases, probe the alleged use of forged authority letters, and initiate legal or disciplinary proceedings where necessary.

The FTO also recommended implementing a uniform SOP for courier clearances at all international airports, conducting regular training for Customs officials, and submitting a compliance report within 45 days.

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