Fake FBR official, accomplices caught extorting money from cigarette cargo

A group of fraudsters, including a fake Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) official, police personnel, and private individuals, has been accused of illegally searching trucks carrying cigarettes and extorting money from transporters.  

The News reported that an FIR registered by Lahore Police revealed that the gang included an armed Inland Revenue (FBR) official, three police officers, and several private accomplices posing as members of the Inland Revenue Enforcement Squad (IREN).  

Posing as IREN officials, they conducted an illegal search of cargo trucks transporting tobacco products at Sagian Bridge, Lahore, on October 31 and extorted money from the driver and the shipment’s owners, according to the FIR.  

The IREN squad, which is officially tasked with checking the transport of non-duty-paid goods such as cigarettes, sugar, and fertiliser, launched an investigation after receiving a complaint from the truck’s owner.  

The investigation revealed that one of the accused Inland Revenue officials had been transferred from Lahore to the Regional Tax Office in Abbottabad. 

The Inland Revenue Enforcement Network stated it is taking stringent measures to address such fraudulent activities and ensure accountability.  

Further inquiries are underway to identify all individuals involved and prevent future incidents of this nature.