Baskin Robbins fiend over Rs3bn for alleged tax evasion

In a major development, the Punjab Revenue Authority has imposed a fine of over Rs3 billion on Baskin Robbins, US based multinational chain of ice cream and cake, amidst serious allegations of tax evasion and illicit activities, GTV News reported on Thursday.

According to details, the move has forced the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Lahore’s Anti-Money Laundering to launch investigation into complaints involving money laundering and hawala/hundi operations worth over $10 million.

Sources within FIA Lahore have confirmed the receipt of complaint number 222/2023.

The investigation has been prompted by a detailed complaint submitted by a local citizen, Abdul Qayyum Hafeez, who provided substantial evidence of the company’s involvement in tax evasion and money laundering since its registration in Pakistan in 2017.

The complaint alleged that Baskin Robbins has illegally transferred over $10 million to the USA via Dubai, utilizing its brand as a conduit for money laundering and hawala/hundi.

The FIA also issued notices to the company’s officials, and letters have been sent to FBR and Customs to gather information from banks and related institutions.

Meanwhile, Baskin Robbins’ management has denied the allegations, attributing them to a disgruntled former employee.

However, the complainant, Qayyum Hafeez, said that he has provided irrefutable evidence. Hafeez has also petitioned law enforcement agencies and the Ministry of Interior, criticizing FIA Lahore’s Director Sarfraz Warak for not taking decisive action.