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.
Meghan Markle would never agree to return to the UK, claims an expert.
The Duchess of Sussex, who left her spot as a Senior Royal back in 2020 and flew to the US with husband Prince Harry, is reportedly hoping to move back across the Atlantic.
Journalist Phil Dampier, however, suggests there is no possibility for this since the Duchess is not popular across the pond.
“I think the only time he’s going to come back here is on his own,” he told The Sun’s Royal Exclusive podcast. “I think she knows how unpopular she is here.”
Prince Harry left the Royal Family back in 2020 alongside wife Meghan Markle and son, Prince Archie. The couple later accused the Royal Family of showcasing racism towards their son and publicly shared their grievances on television. Harry and Meghan now live in California, where they also welcomed their daughter, Princess Lilibet.
Brooklyn Beckham and Victoria Beckham are reportedly finally on the same page when it comes to their long-rumoured family rift.
According to Us Weekly, both mother and son have decided to stop trying to repair their fractured relationship at least for now.
“Brooklyn has no interest in mending things at this time,” an insider revealed.
“He’s really focused on living a peaceful, drama-free life with Nicola. They’ve built their own world together and are very content in it. They want to let things settle naturally rather than trying to fix something that still feels tense.”
Meanwhile, Victoria has also taken a step back, with a source telling The Mirror that the designer doesn’t want to “keep fighting the same fight.”
As she films her upcoming Netflix documentary, Victoria has reportedly found the process “liberating,” even as it stirred up emotions surrounding her fractured bond with Brooklyn.
“It was very much a roller coaster of emotions because of the big thing that’s still affecting her — her fractured relationship with Brooklyn,” the insider shared.
“But it also made her realise that she can’t keep raking over the heartbreak of this situation with him. Enough is enough now,” they added.
“Victoria knows he will one day come back to her, but it’s just not the right time. This project has made her realise how blessed she is to have her family around her and supporting her,” the tipster concluded.
The Beckham family drama appears to be far from over.
As per Us Weekly, tensions between the family members have continued to escalate and this has left Brooklyn Beckham estranged not just from his parents, but also from his younger brothers.
“There is still a huge rift in the family,” a source confirmed.
“Brooklyn has not reconciled with David or Victoria and is not speaking to Romeo or Cruz either. The relationships are all still strained.”
The feud made headlines earlier this year when Brooklyn and wife Nicola Peltz skipped David Beckham’s milestone 50th birthday celebration in May.
At the time, insiders claimed that Brooklyn’s absence was due to his disapproval of Romeo’s then-girlfriend, Kim Turnbull.
However, even after Romeo and Kim’s split in June, the family tensions have shown little sign of easing.
“It’s been heartbreaking for Victoria and David to not have all their children together during huge press events for the family, like Victoria’s documentary release,” the insider said, referencing the October 9 premiere of the former Spice Girl’s Netflix series.
“It was such a big moment for the family, and she wanted everyone together to celebrate it,” the source noted about Victoria Beckham.
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