Summary
- The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested a wanted suspect allegedly involved in an illegal money transfer operation during a raid in Rawalpindi.
- According to the FIA, the case involves allegations of operating illegal money value transfer services, commonly referred to as unauthorized money transfer or hawala/hundi transactions.
- The Federal Investigation Agency has intensified its crackdown on illegal financial activities in recent years, including unauthorized money transfer services, banking fraud, cyber-enabled financial crimes, and money laundering.
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested a wanted suspect allegedly involved in an illegal money transfer operation during a raid in Rawalpindi. The suspect, who had been declared a proclaimed offender in a financial crime case, was later presented before a court, which approved a three-day physical remand to facilitate further investigation.
According to an official statement issued by the FIA Commercial Banking Circle Islamabad, the arrest was made following a tip-off regarding the suspect’s whereabouts. Acting on the intelligence, FIA officials conducted a targeted operation and apprehended Hamza Faisal, who had reportedly been evading arrest for several months.
The agency stated that the suspect was nominated in FIR No. 42/2025 registered by the FIA Commercial Banking Circle Islamabad. Investigators said he had gone into hiding in an attempt to avoid legal proceedings after being declared a proclaimed offender by the court.
According to the FIA, the case involves allegations of operating illegal money value transfer services, commonly referred to as unauthorized money transfer or hawala/hundi transactions. Such services operate outside Pakistan’s regulated banking system and are considered illegal under the country’s financial laws.
Investigators alleged that the suspect caused financial losses amounting to Rs. 5.6 million to the complainant through unauthorized money transfer transactions. The agency believes additional evidence may emerge during the investigation and is examining whether other individuals were involved in the alleged operation.
Following his arrest, the suspect was produced before the relevant court. After hearing the FIA’s request, the court approved a three-day physical remand, allowing investigators additional time to question the suspect, collect documentary evidence, and trace the financial transactions linked to the case.
FIA officials said the investigation remains ongoing and that further legal action will depend on the evidence gathered during the remand period.
The Federal Investigation Agency has intensified its crackdown on illegal financial activities in recent years, including unauthorized money transfer services, banking fraud, cyber-enabled financial crimes, and money laundering. Authorities say these operations are aimed at protecting the formal banking sector, improving financial transparency, and ensuring compliance with Pakistan’s anti-money laundering regulations.
Financial experts note that illegal money transfer networks can undermine the regulated financial system, facilitate tax evasion, and complicate efforts to monitor suspicious transactions. As a result, law enforcement agencies continue to target individuals and groups allegedly operating outside licensed banking and remittance channels.
The FIA has urged the public to use only authorized banks and licensed money transfer companies for domestic and international financial transactions and to report any suspicious financial activities to the relevant authorities. The agency says public cooperation remains essential in combating financial crime and protecting consumers from fraud.
