Islamabad by Ehsan Bukhari
Authorities have uncovered a massive car registration scam involving the illegal sale of non-duty paid vehicles across Pakistan. A notorious group known as the “Choha Gang”, allegedly in collusion with excise and customs department officials, has been found illegally registering and selling high-value vehicles worth millions of rupees.
Acting on orders from the Collector of Customs, the Anti-Smuggling Squad conducted a raid in the Ghouri Town area of Islamabad, arresting the gang’s ringleader, Sheikh Azam, alias “Choha”. Official sources reveal that the gang used forged documents bearing signatures and stamps of customs officers and auction houses, particularly Alvi Auctioneers, to get non-duty paid vehicles registered with excise departments in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and other parts of Punjab.
Initial investigations indicate that the gang had deep-rooted connections within both the customs and excise departments, allowing them to successfully allocate official registration numbers to illegally acquired vehicles. These vehicles were then sold to unsuspecting buyers.
During the raid, authorities recovered official customs seals, forged documents, and auction papers from the suspect’s vehicle. According to insiders, the Collector of Customs had received intelligence suggesting that a nationwide network was involved in selling these smuggled cars. A special team led by the Assistant Collector and Deputy Collector of Customs, including customs inspectors, launched a two-week investigation that culminated in the arrest.
In a dramatic turn during the raid, the suspect attempted to flee via the rooftop of his residence but was apprehended after a brief chase. Under interrogation, Sheikh Azam confessed to running a full-fledged gang with links to Alvi Auctioneers and certain customs officers, facilitating the registration and sale of these illicit vehicles.
Further sensational revelations are expected as the investigation unfolds.
It is worth mentioning that CAPITALNEWSPOINT.COM had previously exposed Alvi Auctioneers in a detailed investigative report, alleging that the auction house was facilitating selective sales of vehicles and other items under the patronage of customs officials and other powerful groups.
