The suspects went into hiding after collecting the funds
Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has taken significant action against human trafficking, arresting five agents accused of running visa fraud schemes.
The suspects, apprehended in Gujranwala and Gujrat, collectively defrauded citizens of nearly Rs. 10 million (£29,000) by offering fake job opportunities overseas.
The arrested individuals were identified as Farooq Adil, Nazaqat Ali, Muhammad Asif, Muhammad Arsalan, and Adnan Ali.
The group targeted unsuspecting victims with promises of employment in countries like Europe and the Middle East.
Among them, Nazaqat Ali swindled Rs. 5 million (£14,500) by promising illegal routes to Libya and Europe.
Farooq Adil deceived a victim into paying Rs. 1.45 million (£4,200) for a non-existent job in Romania.
Meanwhile, Muhammad Asif charged Rs. 1.1 million (£3,100) for a fraudulent work opportunity in Kyrgyzstan.
Arsalan and Adnan Ali also misled victims with offers in Kuwait and Italy, taking Rs. 1.03 million (£2,900) and Rs. 1.3 million (£3,700), respectively.
The suspects went into hiding after collecting the funds but were eventually apprehended through intelligence-led operations.
FIA Gujranwala Zone officials have stated that raids are ongoing to capture additional suspects and dismantle human trafficking networks.
This operation follows directives from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who recently called for intensified action against traffickers.
The prime minister emphasised the need to make such individuals “examples for others” by seizing their assets and ensuring swift legal action.
He also directed the Ministry of Law and Justice to engage top-tier prosecutors to strengthen cases against traffickers.
He requested the Foreign Office to collaborate with international counterparts for the extradition of traffickers operating from abroad.
In South Punjab, the FIA previously arrested four human traffickers, including one connected to a tragic Greece boat accident.
Abdul Majeed, one of the suspects, extorted Rs. 4.2 million (£12,200) from a family, promising to send their son to Greece.
However, the boat sank and their son was among those who died.
Another suspect, Shehzad, extorted Rs. 1 million (£2,900) from the parents of a minor who also lost his life in the same incident.
Two other traffickers, Muhammad Naqash and Amjad Chaham, were arrested for similar fraudulent activities.
In a related development, 38 FIA officers implicated in facilitating human traffickers were dismissed from service.
The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Interior revealed that 13 officers have been arrested in connection with the Greek boat tragedy.
Additionally, 30 FIA officers have been suspended, with charge sheets issued to 12 of them.
Bank accounts worth Rs. 109 million (£316,000) belonging to human traffickers, including the notorious Jaja gang, have been frozen.
The FIA’s actions are a critical step in addressing the exploitation and tragedies associated with human trafficking.
Loading ...