COPA: Customs rip off 70% of Rs 205 mn from fine

A group of Customs officers had shared 70% of Rs 205 mn from a fine imposed on those who furnished false data and paid Rs 187 mn less than the stipulated amount VAT in respect of coal procured for the Norochcholai power plant, the Committee on Public Accounts (COPA) said yesterday.

When the top management of the Customs was questioned by the parliamentary watchdog on this matter during a recent meeting in Parliament, officers claimed that they were engaged in discussions with the Treasury to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.

The money has been allocated for Customs’ rewards scheme and welfare. According to a statement issued by Parliament, Rs 187 mn should have been raked in as an additional levy, but a fine of Rs 205 mn was imposed for 70 percent of total amount to be taken by the Customs. (SF)