FIA Gujranwala arrests 14 suspects in week-long crackdown

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Gujranwala Zone claimed to have arrested 14 suspects during a series of operations carried

GUJRANWALA: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Gujranwala Zone claimed to have arrested 14 suspects during a series of operations carried out between June 22 and June 27 as part of its ongoing campaign against human smuggling, financial fraud and other organised crimes.
According to the weekly performance report issued by the agency, 10 alleged human smugglers and illegal travel agents were taken into custody during separate raids. The arrested suspects included two proclaimed offenders who had been evading law enforcement in human smuggling-related cases.
The FIA also launched action against two illegal travel agencies operating in the region. During the raids, officials recovered 25 passports, cheque books, several official-looking stamps and cash believed to be linked with illegal immigration activities. Further investigation is underway to determine whether the recovered documents were being used for visa fraud or human smuggling.
In a separate operation, the FIA arrested a bank officer of Dubai Islamic Bank allegedly involved in a bank fraud worth Rs40 million. The suspect was intercepted at Allama Iqbal International Airport while allegedly attempting to flee the country. The agency said the arrest was made before the suspect could board an international flight.
The report further stated that another proclaimed offender wanted in a power theft case was also arrested during the week.
The FIA said it initiated legal proceedings in multiple financial fraud cases involving an estimated amount of Rs273.9 million. Officials said investigations into the cases are continuing and further arrests are expected as inquiries move forward.
Among the major cases handled during the reporting period, the agency highlighted a Rs70 million fraud in which a suspect allegedly collected money from people by promising to send them to Spain. The main accused, identified as Muhammad Adnan Saleem, was arrested and is being investigated.
The performance report showed that FIA Gujranwala Circle recorded eight arrests during the week, while FIA Gujrat Circle made five arrests in separate operations. The remaining arrest was made by another unit operating within the Gujranwala Zone.
FIA officials said the agency would continue its operations without discrimination against human smugglers, visa fraudsters, corrupt officials, hawala-hundi operators and other organised criminal networks. They maintained that strict action would continue across the zone to curb illegal activities and bring those involved to justice.