FIA gives clean chit to Rahat Fateh Ali Khan in money laundering case

LAHORE: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has said there is no evidence of renowned singer Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan's involvement in money laundering, tax evasion or any other illegal activity.

Pakistan's premier investigation agency on Sunday confirmed that it has closed its investigation into a case of alleged money-laundering and tax evasion, involving the renowned singer, due to a lack of evidence of any wrongdoing.

FIA's Lahore Zone additional director confirmed that the competent authority has authorised closing the investigation against Khan and others, in accordance with the recommendations put forth by the field inquiry unit.

"There is no evidence found in the available records that implicates Khan in any illegal currency smuggling activities," the FIA senior officer said.

According to details provided by FIA Lahore, an inquiry was initiated in January against the singer and 182 other frequent commuters who have travelled abroad for work from Lahore International Airport.

The money laundering and tax evasion investigation was based on data concerning frequent travellers, with a specific focus on identifying any individuals involved in currency smuggling or money laundering, the report stated.

“The data of 182 travellers was provided by the deputy director of Immigration at Allama Iqbal International Airport, Lahore. Consequently, the proceedings were initiated to detect any frequent traveller found in smuggling off currency or money laundering. The name of Khan was also included in the frequent list of travellers. 

However, based on available records, nothing incriminating has been found against the singer to establish that he is involved in the illegal business of currency smuggling.”

Recently, Khan’s former manager Salman Ahmed said that the singer had earned over Rs8 billion in over 12 years from both local and international concerts.

Ahmed had asked the Pakistani authorities to look into the matter, but sources inside the relevant departments have said that Khan has paid his taxes on time and remained updated and in compliance with the laws.

Sources within the FIA and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) have said that Khan has paid taxes on all his local and international incomes.

Therefore, the sources said, the FIA decided to issue a clean chit to Khan in consultations with the FBR, and after checking his tax records.

The FBR previously issued several notices to Khan in taxation matters, but his accountants have cleared all the dues.