FIA arrests 10 suspects in nationwide crackdown on human trafficking, visa fraud, and illegal currency exchange

In a coordinated operation across multiple regions, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested 10 individuals involved in human trafficking, visa fraud, and illegal currency exchange. The operation was conducted under the directives of FIA Director General Rafat Mukhtar Raja as part of an intensified campaign to dismantle smuggling and financial crime networks operating nationwide.

The FIA Multan Zone arrested three individuals, including Feroze Qaiser Sagu, a most-wanted human smuggler. Other suspects arrested were Muhammad Azam and Muhammad Wazir. 

The trio allegedly deceived citizens by promising employment abroad and extracting large sums of money without delivering. Feroze Qaiser, arrested in Khanewal, has nine cases registered against him in Multan Zone, with additional charges in Faisalabad. He is accused of scamming over Rs. 8.2 million from victims by offering fake job placements in Dubai and Saudi Arabia.

Muhammad Azam is accused of defrauding Rs. 600,000 by promising employment in Azerbaijan, while Muhammad Wazir allegedly extorted Rs. 2.36 million from citizens for fake job offers in the UAE.

In Lahore and Islamabad, FIA’s Lahore Zone carried out raids, arresting Naveed Tahir and Zubair Muhammad, both charged with visa fraud. Naveed Tahir allegedly took Rs. 1.68 million from a citizen, promising a job in Lithuania. Zubair Muhammad is accused of swindling Rs. 700,000 by pretending to secure a U.S. visa. Both suspects went into hiding before being apprehended.

In a separate operation, the FIA Balochistan Zone arrested five individuals—Akmal Khan, Saifullah, Basheer Ahmed, Abdul Qayoom, and Abdullah—who were involved in illegal currency exchange and Hawala/Hundi operations in Quetta and Chaman. 

Authorities seized large sums of currency, including Rs. 684,000 in Pakistani rupees, 230.5 million Iranian Rials, over 135,000 Afghanis, 700 U.S. Dollars, 200 Saudi Riyals, and 150 Australian Dollars. 

Investigators also recovered cheque books, receipts, and bank slips linked to Hawala operations. The suspects were reportedly operating without proper licenses and failed to explain the source of the recovered funds.

All suspects are now in custody, and investigations are ongoing. According to an FIA spokesperson, the agency remains committed to its zero-tolerance policy against human trafficking, visa fraud, and illegal financial operations.