FIA Gujranwala arrests 46 suspects in two-week crackdown, exposes Rs100 million fraud

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Gujranwala Zone has arrested 46 suspects, including seven proclaimed offenders, during a series

GUJRANWALA: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Gujranwala Zone has arrested 46 suspects, including seven proclaimed offenders, during a series of operations conducted over the past two weeks against human smugglers, fraudsters, illegal currency dealers and other criminals.
According to FIA officials, the operations led to the exposure of fraud worth more than Rs100 million and targeted networks involved in human smuggling, banking fraud, document forgery, illegal foreign exchange business and electricity theft.
Officials said several human smugglers were taken into custody for allegedly deceiving citizens with promises of sending them abroad. The suspects reportedly collected large sums of money from victims on the pretext of arranging employment and immigration to countries including Italy, Spain, Greece, Germany, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and the United States.
The crackdown was intensified following information obtained from Pakistani nationals deported from Libya. FIA teams carried out raids at different locations and arrested several suspects, including human smuggling agent Imtiaz Aslam. Investigators believe the accused were part of networks operating across different districts and involved in sending people abroad through illegal channels.
In a separate operation, FIA arrested proclaimed offender Muhammad Akram, who was wanted in a banking fraud case. Officials said the suspect had allegedly embezzled Rs1.5 million from a citizen and had been evading arrest for some time. Further investigation is under way to determine whether more people were affected by the fraud.
The FIA also launched operations against illegal foreign currency exchange activities. Three suspects were arrested and local as well as foreign currencies were recovered from their possession. Authorities said action against unauthorized money exchange businesses would continue as part of efforts to curb financial crimes and ensure compliance with regulations.
Meanwhile, FIA immigration authorities at Sialkot International Airport offloaded two passengers who were attempting to travel using fake or suspicious travel documents. During the inquiry, a financial trail involving approximately Rs5.65 million surfaced, prompting further investigation into possible links with human smuggling networks and document forgery rackets.
The agency also reported action against electricity theft. One suspect, identified as Shahzad Ahmed, was arrested during a raid related to power theft allegations. FIA officials said such crimes cause significant losses to the national exchequer and would not be tolerated.
Data released by the agency showed that 18 arrests were made by FIA Gujranwala Circle, while FIA Gujrat Circle arrested 14 suspects. Another 14 suspects were taken into custody by FIA Sialkot Circle during the same period.
Officials said the operations were part of an ongoing campaign against organised crime and individuals exploiting citizens through fraudulent schemes. They added that FIA Gujranwala Zone remained committed to taking action against human smugglers, financial criminals and other offenders without discrimination.
The agency urged the public to verify immigration offers, overseas job opportunities and financial transactions through legal channels and report suspicious activities to law enforcement authorities. FIA officials maintained that operations would continue across the region to dismantle criminal networks and protect citizens from exploitation and fraud.