ISLAMABAD – Federal Board of Revenue unearths benami properties worthbillions across the country.

The Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Zones of the Federal Bureau ofRevenue (FBR) have filed 15 references with adjudicating authority against‘benamidars’ and beneficial owner over alleged involvement of billions ofrupees in the shape of real estate and shares belonging to propertytycoons, businessman and politicians.

Sources familiar with the matter told the media that in the last fourmonths, benami properties worth Rs17 billion have been seized.

The FBR has established benami zones in three cities of the country andunder the Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Act, 2017, eight referenceshave been filed in Karachi zone, six in Islamabad zone and one in Lahorezone.

Meanwhile, the benami zones, comprising of 11 officers and 25 inspectors,have been probing the Omni Group among benamidars and the real owners ofassets worth Rs30 billion.

Moreover, another 360 persons allegedly holding benami bank accounts,shares and assets are being investigated by the authority.

The FBR has established Benami Zones in three cities of the country andhave been given jurisdiction all over Pakistan. For filing of a reference,the authority needs solid evidence against beneficial owners.