ISLAMABAD: More startling and sensational details have emerged in the 600-kilogram silver mega scandal involving the Quetta Collectorate. According to information obtained from a senior official of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), the scandal allegedly involves not only the embezzlement of silver worth hundreds of millions of rupees but also allegedly serious irregularities and corruption in the posting and transfer of Customs officers.
Sources revealed that two separate consignments of silver had been prepared, one weighing approximately 400 kilograms and the other 260 kilograms, while the original 400 kilograms of silver had already been replaced. Investigators believe the actual value of the seized silver was around Rs300 million.
According to FIA sources, the plan was to allgedly mix nearly 260 kilograms of original silver with 400 kilograms of fake metal and coins in order to create the impression that the seized material had been counterfeit from the beginning. However, a scientist at the Pakistan Mint Lahore reportedly objected to the process, although melting of the original silver had already begun before the matter surfaced publicly and the process had to be halted.
Sources further stated that legal procedures were allegedly ignored as the process was completed hastily even before the appeal stage had concluded.
Investigations have also revealed that two vehicles were dispatched, one of which safely reached the airport, while the second vehicle allegedly had 400 kilograms of silver replaced during transit. FIA investigators have reportedly secured crucial evidence, including Safe City camera footage, photographs and videos.
In connection with the case, two preventive officers have been arrested after the Safe City footage allegedly showed them changing the vehicle carrying the original silver. The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has also taken action by suspending six senior officers of the Quetta Collectorate.
According to sources, when Customs registered the case, several relevant individuals were allegedly allowed to escape while attempts were made to place the blame on various smugglers. However, investigators now strongly suspect that the entire network was operating internally.
On the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, a joint investigation team comprising the FIA, intelligence agencies and police is currently working on recovery efforts, collection of evidence and identification of those responsible. Sources said that Dr. Tauqeer had also warned Customs authorities that FIA investigations would be initiated if recovery was not ensured.
FIA sources further claimed that several incidents involving the burning of smuggled goods in Balochistan are also being treated as suspicious. According to some reports, goods worth Rs8 billion to Rs10 billion, while other estimates place the figure at nearly Rs20 billion, including vehicles and cloth, were destroyed. A warehouse fire incident in Quetta is also being linked to the same chain of events.
Senior FIA officials said the final report on the mega scandal is expected to be presented to the prime minister soon, while scrutiny of assets, bank accounts and financial transactions of the accused individuals is also under way to ensure full recovery of losses caused to the national exchequer.
