Entertainment
FBR finds custom officers, MRAs involved in regularisation of smuggled vehicles
- FBR introduced “Auction Module” in its WeBOC system in 2021.
- 103 vehicles fraudulently uploaded using fake user identities: FBR.
- Seven FIRs lodges, 13 individuals arrested in connection with scam.
ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has unearthed a major scandal and found Customs officers involved in collusion with the Motor Registration Authorities (MRAs) and car dealers in the regularisation of over 100 smuggled vehicles, The News reported on Thursday.
It may be recalled that in order to strengthen control mechanisms and prevent the misuse of auctioned vehicles, FBR in August 2021 introduced the “Auction Module” in its WeBOC system.
This system enhancement was aimed at addressing the issue of multiple vehicles being registered against documents issued by Customs after the auction of confiscated smuggled vehicles.
Through this module, MRAs were enabled to verify auctioned vehicle details online before registration, significantly reducing reliance on paper-based manual verifications. The goal was to both strengthen institutional controls and facilitate legitimate buyers.
However, despite these reforms, reports emerged in July 2025 regarding the misuse of the aforementioned Auction Module. In response, FBR immediately initiated an inquiry into the matter.
Since the module’s launch, details of 1,909 vehicles had been uploaded on the system. Upon detailed scrutiny, it was discovered that 103 of these vehicles had been fraudulently uploaded using fake user identities. MRAs had already registered 43 out of these 103 smuggled vehicles, effectively granting them an appearance of legal clearance.
Based on a digital audit and internal investigations, the FBR identified the user IDs through which the fraud was committed. As a result, on July 9, 2025, FBR suspended one Deputy Collector and one Assistant Collector, whose credentials had been misused in the commission of this crime.
The investigation further revealed that this was part of a wider criminal racket involving officials from MRAs and car dealers. Recognising the gravity of the issue, FBR determined that the matter warranted action beyond internal disciplinary proceedings.
Accordingly, a formal request by FBR was made on July 9, 2025 for the constitution of a Joint Investigation Committee (JIT), comprising senior officers from the FIA, Customs and Intelligence Agencies. The JIT was tasked with a comprehensive probe into the scam, including the manipulation of the Customs digital system.
Following FBR’s formal complaint to FIA dated 10th July, 2025, the JIT commenced its investigation. As a result, on 28th August, 2025, the FIA lodged an FIR against already identified officers, after being found involved in fraudulently legalising smuggled vehicles.
On Wednesday, these individuals were formally arrested by FIA.
It is also pertinent to mention that Customs Enforcement has so far lodged seven FIRs and arrested 13 individuals in connection with this broader scam.
Sydney Sweeney picks up the role of boxing champ Christy Martin, so it’s expected she would get, in her words, a “crazy black eye” during filming.
As the boxing drama biopic premieres at the Toronto Film Festival, the actress recalls the gruelling shooting experience, particularly the boxing scenes.
“I was getting pummeled,” she adds. “They were holding ice packs to my face in between takes. I was getting knocked up.”
The star continues, “I had some gnarly bruises after that.” Her “crazy black eye,” meanwhile, was the result of reenacting a famous match between Christy Martin and Laila Ali in the movie.
The film’s boxing sequences, which would be a treat to watch, required much work behind the scenes to shoot.
For example, Sydney reveals she filmed those scenes “back to back to back in a single week. I’d wrap after a 12-hour shoot, and then I’d go train for another two hours. That whole week was grueling.”
Besides her latest movie, the actress is under fire for a denim jeans ad campaign since its release.
However, the Madame Web star shut down the questions over the controversy and doubled down on promoting Christy.
“I am there to support my movie and the people involved in making it,” she tells Vanity Fair. “I’m not there to talk about jeans. The movie’s about Christy [Martin], and that’s what I’ll be there to talk about.”
Christy will hit theatres on Nov 7.
Harry Styles and Zoë Kravitz have been making headlines with their frequent step outs.
However, a new report of Page Six mentioned that the celebrities are not just sharing a fleeting fling.
According to insiders, the celebrity pair has been moving forward with their romance.
“They’ve kind of gone from 0 to 60,” one Hollywood insider mused.
However, a music source close to Styles told Page Six this is no casual hookup.
“It’s so hard to date as a celebrity,” the source explained.
The insider even added, “Harry wouldn’t have gone public with Zoë if it wasn’t something. But it’s very new and fresh, and they’re just having fun.”
Styles, 31, and Kravitz first sparked dating rumors back in August, though neither has commented publicly on their relationship.
The source added, “Harry doesn’t label this stuff.”
The former One Direction star has been keeping a low profile since wrapping his massive two-year world tour in Italy in July 2023. Still, those close to him say this chapter feels different.
“This is the happiest Harry has ever been,” the insider noted.
“He’s just having a great time,” they remarked in conclusion.
Davey Johnson, swashbuckling manager who sparked the Mets and Nats, dies at 82
Sydney Sweeney recalls ‘crazy black eye’ experience
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