FIA sets up cryptocurrency investigation unit to track money laundering, terror financing

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has established a cryptocurrency investigation unit at its newly operational National Command and Control Centre (NC3) to probe the use of virtual assets in money laundering, terrorism financing and other crimes, Dawn reported. 

FIA Counter-Terrorism Wing Director Dr Muhammad Athar Waheed said the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA) would regulate digital assets, while the FIA unit would investigate their possible use in criminal activity.

He said the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) and Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) should also create dedicated units to investigate cryptocurrency-related cybercrime and drug trafficking.

Dr Waheed added that new rules were being developed to ensure inquiries were completed within fixed timelines.

The NC3 brings key operational units onto a single platform for monitoring, intelligence sharing, inter-agency coordination and nationwide operational support.

Its Immigration Monitoring Unit and Integrated Border Management System provide real-time oversight of passenger movements, biometric verification and screening at all entry and exit points.

The Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Desk coordinates intelligence-led action against organised smuggling networks, while the Risk Analysis Unit identifies suspicious travel patterns, high-risk individuals and emerging threats.

The centre also houses dedicated anti-money laundering and virtual currency investigation units, while its Interpol Desk serves as Pakistan’s national coordination point for international law enforcement cooperation.