NBR raids four bars and hotels, including Fu-Wang
Collected Photo
The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has conducted simultaneous raids at four bars and establishments in Dhaka to investigate allegations of illegal sourcing of alcohol and alcoholic products, evasion of customs duties, value-added tax (VAT) and income tax, and selling of such products to unauthorized individuals.
The establishments are Raw Canvas Restaurant, Habib Hotel International, Margarita Lounge, and Fu-Wang Bowling & Services Limited.
The facilities were raided on Saturday under the leadership of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Directorate, with the participation of officials from various NBR agencies.
During the operations, officials examined the sources of alcohol and alcoholic products kept in stock at the establishments, import and purchase documents, and records of customs duty, VAT and income tax payments.
According to NBR sources, intelligence reports indicated that several bars, restaurants, diplomatic bonded warehouses and duty-free shops in Dhaka had allegedly been procuring alcohol and alcoholic products from illegal vendors. There were also allegations of evading applicable customs duties, VAT and income tax on these products, as well as supplying them to unauthorized customers.
Based on these allegations, the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Directorate formed four special teams. Officials from the NBR's Income Tax Intelligence and Investigation Unit, Central Intelligence Cell (CIC), VAT Audit, Intelligence and Investigation Directorate, and Customs, Excise and VAT Commissionerate, Dhaka (North), were subsequently included in the operation.
On Saturday, officials involved in the raids conducted on-site inspections, searches and document verification at Raw Canvas Restaurant, Habib Hotel International, Margarita Lounge, and Fu-Wang Bowling & Services Limited in Dhaka.
They examined the quantities of alcohol and alcoholic products in stock, their legal sources, import and purchase documents, records of customs duty, VAT and income tax payments, and the legality of the products. Steps are also being taken to seize products found to be illegal or connected with irregularities, where necessary.
Officials involved in the operation said legal action would be taken under existing laws if the searches and document reviews establish evidence of customs duty, VAT or income tax evasion, procurement of alcohol from illegal sources, or the supply of such products to unauthorized individuals.
Meanwhile, a press briefing is scheduled for Saturday evening to disclose the preliminary findings and overall results of the operation.
