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.
Entertainment
Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban ignite Hollywood romance rumours with recent outing
Hollywood icons Jennifer Lopez and Keith Urban have recently got fans talking after rumours about a possible romance between them started swirling.
The pop star and the country singer were recently seen laughing and enjoying each other’s company at a Los Angeles charity event, and people noticed their chemistry right away.
Neither Jennifer nor Keith have confirmed anything about their romance rumours but insiders said that the two have been spending more time together lately.
The 55-year-old singer and actress and 56-year-old country singer have high-profile past relationships, which makes every public sighting spark curiosity.
The Unstoppable actress has previously been married to Hollywood’s biggest names Marc Anthony and Ben Affleck, while Keith has been married to Oscar-winning star Nicole Kidman since 2006.
However, fans and insiders quickly jumped online to share their excitement on the viral meetup between the two stars.
Many pointed to past music and charity events where the pair seemed close and the way they looked at each other recently only fueled the gossip.
Observers also noted their laughter, casual touches and how natural they seemed together.
Moreover, entertainment experts said that the rumours make sense because both Lopez and Urban value family and share a deep love for music.
Even though no one has been seen on an actual date, their public appearances highlighted strong bond, if it’s romantic or a close friendship.
For now, fans are eagerly watching every move of Jennifer and Keith, hoping to see if Hollywood’s newest buzz-worthy duo is just friends or if this could turn into something more.
Entertainment
Katie Price teases ‘something exciting’ despite health and vaping worries
Katie Price looked uplifted by the festive spirit as she wore a Santa costume, but her noticeable weight loss remains a point of concern for her millions of fans.
The former glamour model, 47, showcased her multiple tattoos in a Christmas minidress paired with a matching Santa hat and white fishnet tights.
Despite the worrying weight loss, Katie appeared upbeat in her new sizzling photos as she posed on her wooden staircase at home. Alongside a microphone emoji, she teased: ‘Something exciting coming soon.’
This comes after reports that Katie is planning a surprise bid for the Christmas number one spot following the release of her song, Best Of Me, earlier this year.
It also follows fresh concerns for her health after she admitted she is addicted to vaping in a recent social media post.
Katie has reportedly struggled to quit vaping. She was previously spotted using a vape on a train last year and was seen puffing on one during her live tour with friend Kerry Katona.
A source told The Mirror: ‘Katie needs to stop for health reasons, obviously, her family members have been very worried.
‘But she’s so stressed and it vaping is simply her way of releasing that stress. It’s also very addictive and as we know, Katie’s got a very addictive personality.’
The reality star has also faced several health scares this year. In September, she was rushed to hospital after accidently stabbing herself while cooking a curry.
Entertainment
Updated UK mortgage rates hit lowest since september 2022
Mortgage rates in the UK have touched their lowest mark since early September 2022, the first time the average five-year fixed rate has dipped below 5% since May 2023.
Citing new data from Moneyfacts, The Guardian reported that the average fixed UK mortgage rates for two and five years have fallen to 4.86% and 4.91%, respectively.
Why UK mortgage rates hit lowest since september 2022?
This steep low in UK mortgage rates is attributed to lenders’ growing confidence that the Bank of England will soon lower interest rates from 4% to 3.75%.
The Moneyfacts Average Mortgage Rate plunged from 4.99% to 4.91% month-on-month, and it has dropped by 0.53% year-on-year from 5.44% in December 2024.
Rachel Springall, a finance expert at Moneyfacts, noted that November was particularly favourable for fixed-rate cuts, with the average two-year fixed rate facing its largest monthly decline since August. The five-year fixed rate also recorded its deepest fall in over six months.
As a result, the average shelf-life of a UK-based mortgage product has fallen to just 18 days, while the number of available mortgage deals has risen to over 7,000.
This positive trend in UK mortgage rates reflects a shifting landscape in the UK housing market, providing potential homeowners with easier borrowing conditions.
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