Senate panel asks FIA to widen probe into theft of cigarette cartons from FBR godowns

ISLAMABAD: A Senate panel on Monday ordered the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to widen and accelerate its probe into the theft of thousands of cigarette cartons from Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) warehouses in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, directing officials to fix responsibility for the lapse.

The Sub-Committee of the Senate Standing Committee on Interior and Narcotics Control, which met at Parliament House under Senator Saifullah Abro, expressed dissatisfaction over the pace and seriousness of the response by the FBR.

The committee instructed investigators to record statements of key officials, including the regional tax officer, chief commissioner and member (tobacco) who were posted at the time of the incident. It also called for the inclusion of all relevant FBR personnel in the inquiry and recommended scrutiny of their assets.

Officials were informed that 2,828 cartons had gone missing from godowns in Swabi and Mardan. So far, statements of 20 individuals have been recorded. Of the missing stock, 1,262 cartons have been identified as belonging to a private tobacco brand, while efforts are underway to establish ownership of the remaining goods.

During the meeting, questions were raised about possible involvement of organised networks. The committee directed the FIA to also examine whether a tobacco cartel or other nexus could be linked to the theft. Investigators were further asked to visit the affected warehouses as part of the probe.

The panel reviewed financial records presented by the FIA and flagged discrepancies, noting that banking activity linked to the company under investigation appeared to continue despite claims that its factory had been sealed. The FIA was instructed to verify the transactions.

While the FBR informed the committee that new standard operating procedures had been introduced to secure its storage facilities, lawmakers stressed the need for swift completion of the investigation.

The sub-committee also expanded its focus to related economic concerns, directing the FIA to examine potential beneficiaries of recent petroleum price increases, particularly those holding existing stock.

Additional issues discussed included the use of non-custom-paid vehicles, movement of goods into tax-exempt areas of former Fata and Pata, and the smuggling of Iranian oil in Balochistan. The committee urged stronger enforcement and called on the FBR to submit detailed data on imports.