FIA arrests 21, including serving officials, for embezzlement and bribery in BISP funds

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has uncovered a major corruption network targeting the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), arresting 21 suspects, including three serving BISP officials, on charges of fund embezzlement and bribery, according to a news report. 

The arrests followed a raid on the BISP Center at Nagori Hall in Mirpurkhas, Sindh. The detained individuals include 18 alleged sub-agents and three BISP employees. Preliminary investigations reveal a systematic exploitation scheme aimed at defrauding vulnerable BISP recipients.

The suspects were reportedly using electronic devices registered in the names of legitimate beneficiaries to process payments, unlawfully deducting between PKR 1,500 to PKR 2,000 per beneficiary. These funds were then distributed as bribes among BISP officials and franchise owners involved in the scam.

Recipients who resisted or failed to comply with the deductions faced severe penalties, including the blocking of their beneficiary IDs.

During the raid, FIA recovered substantial evidence, including PKR 2.53 million in cash, nine electronic devices, and several tools such as silicone thumb impression moulds and a glue gun machine, which were used to facilitate the fraudulent transactions.

A formal case has been registered, and further investigations are ongoing. The FIA expects more arrests as the probe expands, with the agency identifying additional leads from the detained suspects that may uncover further corruption within the BISP framework.