FIA books senior FBR officer, two others over fake visas using official cover

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has registered a criminal case against a BS-19 officer of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and two private individuals for allegedly facilitating French visit visas by falsely presenting the passengers as FBR officials.

As per reports, the case was initiated after FIA immigration staff intercepted two passengers at Islamabad International Airport who were attempting to travel to France using forged credentials. During secondary screening, the passengers claimed they were part of an official FBR delegation but failed to produce any travel authorisation, nomination order or proof of employment.

Investigators found inconsistencies in the travel itinerary, including same-day onward plans from Paris to Barcelona, which raised suspicion of an attempt to illegally remain in Europe. Mobile phone analysis showed both passengers were in contact with the accused FBR officer, who allegedly posed as an FBR coordinator and used an official-looking email address to support the visa applications.

According to the FIR, bank records indicate transfers totalling about Rs5.3 million made in instalments for arranging the visas. The accused have been booked under sections relating to impersonation, cheating, forgery and corruption, as well as provisions of the Emigration Ordinance.

The passengers were offloaded and handed over to the FIA Crime Circle. During interrogation, they admitted they were not government employees and worked as a driver and a property dealer.

The FIA has seized passports, electronic devices, travel documents and financial records, and expanded the investigation to identify other facilitators and examine whether additional visas were issued using the FBR’s name.