Gerry’s Dnata slapped with Rs2.7bn fine by FBR over “smuggling, iPhone-related customs fraud”

KARACHI – Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) slapped Rs 2.7 billion fine on Gerry’s dnata over allegations of smuggling and customs fraud linked to import of i Phones, in a major enforcement action against the logistics and aviation services company. The scandal involves allegations against the ground-handling company Gerry’s Dnata, which is accused of playing a central role in the illegal clearance of high-end electronic goods. Following the explosive findings, authorities slapped the company with a staggering Rs2.7 billion penalty. Investigators say a wide range of luxury electronics, including iPhones, MacBooks, laptops, and iPads, were allegedly moved out of the airport without proper customs processing. This was reportedly made possible through the use of fake gate passes, allowing goods to slip through the system undetected. The inquiry further uncovered serious irregularities, including the concealment of airway bills, systematic deletion of official records, and the issuance of fraudulent documentation to facilitate the unauthorized release of cargo. Officials believe these methods were used to bypass customs duties on a massive scale. As part of the crackdown, the FBR has also ordered the recovery of Rs221 million in unpaid taxes and duties, stating that goods had been removed from the airport premises without declaration or payment. Authorities have confirmed that multiple violations of customs laws are under scrutiny, with several individuals—including officials—now facing investigation. So far, eight suspects have been arrested, five of whom are employees of Gerry’s Dnata. During interrogation, a female employee allegedly confessed to issuing fake gate passes under instructions from senior supervisors, exposing what investigators believe to be an organized internal chain of corruption. In a further breakthrough, a detained cargo agent revealed the existence of a long-running smuggling network allegedly operating within the system for years. Adding weight to t