The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has launched a coordinated operation at four establishments in Dhaka to investigate alleged illegal sourcing of alcohol and alcohol-based products, evasion of customs duties, VAT and income tax, and supply to unauthorised customers.

The operation is being conducted based on intelligence reports alleging that some bars, restaurants, diplomatic bonded warehouses and duty-free shops in Dhaka were procuring alcohol and alcohol-based products from illegal sources and evading applicable taxes and duties.

The Customs Intelligence and Investigation Directorate (CIID) formed four teams to conduct the operation.

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), joined the CIID teams in carrying out inspections and searches on Saturday.

The teams are conducting physical inspections, searches and verification of stocks and relevant documents, and taking products into custody where necessary, according to the NBR.

The operation is currently underway at Raw Canvas Restaurant, Habib Hotel International, Margarita Lounge and Fu-Wang Bowling & Services Ltd.

The authorities are checking the stocks of alcohol and alcohol-based products at the four establishments, their sources, import and purchase documents, payment of applicable customs duties, VAT and taxes, and the legality of the products.

The NBR said the coordinated operation is aimed at verifying allegations of illegal sourcing and tax evasion and determining whether the products were supplied to authorised customers in accordance with the applicable rules.