FIA arrests 10 in trafficking, corruption crackdown

FIA arrests 10 in trafficking, corruption crackdown

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has intensified its crackdown on human trafficking and corruption, arresting 10 suspects, including four proclaimed offenders, during operations conducted across the Gujranwala Zone.

According to FIA officials, the arrested individuals include nine alleged human traffickers and one employee of the Gujranwala Electric Power Company (GEPCO). The suspects face charges related to visa fraud, human trafficking and corruption.

An FIA spokesperson said the accused lured citizens with fake promises of overseas employment and allegedly collected Rs19.64 million and $1,100 from victims before disappearing without providing the promised jobs or visas. Several complaints led investigators to launch raids, resulting in the arrests.

The FIA Gujranwala Circle arrested seven suspects, including four proclaimed offenders who had been evading law enforcement for a prolonged period. Meanwhile, the FIA Sialkot Circle apprehended three suspects in separate operations.

Among those arrested was GEPCO employee Shaukat Ali, whom the FIA booked on corruption charges. Investigators alleged that he accepted a bribe to facilitate an illegal electricity connection for a housing society. Authorities further claimed that he arranged for a high-voltage electricity line to pass over a citizen’s house, an act that allegedly led to a tragic incident in which a child lost both arms.

FIA Director Muhammad Bin Ashraf said the agency remains committed to eliminating human trafficking networks, visa fraud, corruption and illegal immigration. He urged members of the public to verify the credentials of overseas recruitment agencies and use only licensed employment promoters when seeking jobs abroad to avoid falling victim to fraud.