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FBR finds custom officers, MRAs involved in regularisation of smuggled vehicles

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FBR finds custom officers, MRAs involved in regularisation of smuggled vehicles


A employee of a car showroom walks amidst new cars displayed at an auto dealer centre in Karachi. — AFP/File
  • 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.





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Ryan Reynolds, Rob McElhenney’s planning new big win

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Ryan Reynolds, Rob McElhenney’s planning new big win


Photo: Inside Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s new big plan to revive ‘Wrexham Lager’ brand

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are expanding their Wrexham empire.

Reportedly, this time the duo is bringing back one of Wales’ most iconic brews.

According to the latest report of Daily Mail, the dynamic duo are planning to revitalise the historic Wrexham Lager beer brand, with a proposal that includes a brewery, taproom, and museum.

An application for the project reportedly stated, “The Wrexham Lager proposals, consisting of a brewery and associated taproom and museum, will utilise existing buildings on the site.”

It is noterworthy that Reynolds and McElhenney became co-owners of Wrexham Lager in 2024, one of the football club’s sponsors, and are now aiming to breathe new life into one of the world’s oldest lagers.

Ryan has been said to be particularly eager to create a venue that provides “an attractive welcome to the city of Wrexham.”

The proposed super brewery and visitors’ centre would include tasting rooms open to match-day fans and tourists, offering a unique blend of sport and local heritage.

The Welsh football club, which the Hollywood stars famously co-own, made history earlier this year by becoming the first team in the English league system to win three consecutive promotions, securing a spot in the Championship at the end of the 2024/25 season.





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Jennifer Aniston reveals how she takes out time for herself

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Jennifer Aniston reveals how she takes out time for herself


‘Friends’ alum Jennifer Aniston takes time out from demanding work schedule

Jennifer Aniston, famously known for her role of Rachel Green in Friends, has opened up taking out time for herself.

Speaking with People Magazine, Aniston shared that she’s learning to balance her work schedule with personal time.

Aniston told the outlet, “This is another thing that I’ve gotten really good at in the last couple of years, is carving out time.”

“Just saying to the team, ‘The month of blanky blank is off.’ We’re not going to do anything for whatever happens to be the month that would work that year,” The Morning Show star added.

She went on to reveal that she tells her team, “‘I’m going to take off. I’m going to have a vacation. There’s going to be no work.’ And you just kind of have to put it on your calendar.”

Aniston added, “I think it’s so important because, if we’re running on fumes because we are working too hard and not giving ourselves the opportunity to refuel our bodies mentally and physically, we’re useless.”

“We’re cranky, we’re fatigued, we’re under-slept. I think that the importance of that [rest] and recharge is imperative,” she noted.

Jennifer Aniston broke on screen as Rachel Green on Friends more than 30 years ago, and ever since the actress’ career has soared.





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Nick Jonas reveals effect on public scrutiny on emotional health

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Nick Jonas reveals effect on public scrutiny on emotional health


Photo: Nick Jonas reflects on downside of finding fame at an early age

Nick Jonas is shedding light on the darker side of fame.

In a new episode of Esquire’s What I’ve Learned video series, the Jonas Brothers sat down with editor-in-chief Michael Sebastian for an unfiltered chat about fame, family, and lessons learned along the way.

When asked if things ever felt “weird” during their rise, Nick admitted it was difficult to deal with the public scrutiny over their personal lives as teenagers.

“We were so young,” he began. 

“And some of the things people were talking about,” the father of one continued stating, “I’m thankful to say we’ve come such a long way in 15 to 16 years where it would be completely inappropriate to speak about a 13 or 14-year-old’s dating life or s** life.”

Reflecting further, Nick, who is now married to global star Priyanka Chopra, explained that fame came with a kind of emotional price tag.

“It was something that was really synonymous with our name and our image for a while, whether we wanted it or not,” he said. 

“When you’re part of public life, it’s part of what I like to call the ‘tax’ you have to pay,” he addressed. 

Before conclusion, Nick expressed, “I’m grateful that, for the most part, we’re pretty well-adjusted. We all are—considering some of the things we had to navigate.”





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