FIA busts fake overseas jobs gang, arrests seven in Karachi

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested seven suspected members of a gang accused of running a fake

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested seven suspected members of a gang accused of running a fake overseas employment scam in Karachi. The group allegedly deceived citizens by promising jobs abroad and collecting large amounts of money without providing the promised employment.

The arrests were made during a raid carried out by the FIA Human Trafficking Circle in Block L of North Nazimabad. Officials said the operation was launched after receiving complaints from victims who claimed they had been defrauded by the suspects.

Addressing a press conference, the Deputy Director of the FIA Human Trafficking Circle said the gang targeted people seeking employment opportunities overseas. The suspects allegedly convinced applicants that they could arrange visas and jobs in foreign countries in exchange for hefty payments.

According to investigators, many victims paid significant sums of money after being promised quick processing and guaranteed employment. However, when the promised jobs failed to materialize, the applicants demanded refunds.

Officials said the suspects then resorted to intimidation. They allegedly used their own employees dressed in fake police uniforms to threaten victims and discourage them from pursuing legal action or demanding their money back.

During the raid, the FIA recovered modern weapons, ammunition, police uniforms, laptops and dozens of passports from the suspects. The seized items are being examined as part of the investigation.

Authorities said the group had been operating for nearly five years through fake travel agencies established under different names. Investigators believe the suspects repeatedly changed the identities of their businesses to avoid detection and continue their fraudulent activities.

The FIA said more than 50 victims have already come forward and recorded their complaints. Officials expect the number of affected individuals to increase as the investigation progresses and more people contact the agency.

Criminal cases have been registered against the arrested suspects under relevant laws related to fraud, human trafficking and other offences. The FIA said further investigations are underway to determine the full extent of the network, identify additional accomplices and trace the money collected from victims