Urdu Report Desk
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested 190 suspected illegal visa agents and recovered Rs615.55 million during a four-month crackdown on visa fraud and human smuggling in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
According to the agency, a total of 1,543 cases were registered during the operation.
Islamabad and Rawalpindi Crackdown
FIA data shows that the Islamabad circle arrested 120 suspects and recovered Rs411.05 million.
In Rawalpindi, the agency’s circle arrested 70 suspects and recovered Rs204.5 million.
The operation targeted suspected illegal visa agents involved in activities linked to visa fraud and human smuggling.
FIA Advises Citizens to Verify Visa Agents
The FIA has urged citizens to verify the credentials and legal status of visa agents before making payments for overseas employment or travel.
The agency also advised people to report suspected visa fraud to the relevant authorities to help prevent such crimes and facilitate action against those involved.
Three Arrested Over Alleged Fraud Against Foreign Nationals
Separately, the Rawalpindi circle of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has arrested three suspects, including a woman, for allegedly defrauding foreign nationals.
According to officials, the suspects allegedly posed as bank representatives and foreign law enforcement officials to intimidate victims and extort money from them.
Mobile phones were seized during the raid. Authorities are continuing efforts to identify and arrest other suspected accomplices.
Case Registered Under PECA and Pakistan Penal Code
Officials said a case had been registered against the suspects under relevant provisions of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) and the Pakistan Penal Code.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are pursuing further leads to determine whether other individuals were involved.
