FIA Gujrat arrests Red Book-listed human trafficker

GUJRAT: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Gujrat Circle has arrested a most-wanted human trafficker listed in the agency’s Red Book 2025, officials said.

The accused, Muhammad Arshad, son of Sufi Muhammad Bakhsh, a resident of Kot Momin, Sargodha district, was arrested on August 19 during an operation by the FIA Gujranwala Zone.

According to FIA officials, Arshad was listed on page 96 of the Red Book 2025 among the agency’s most-wanted human traffickers and smugglers.

The accused is wanted in multiple cases and an inquiry registered with the FIA Gujrat Circle and FIA Sargodha.

In case No. 364/24, registered on November 14, 2024, under Sections 17/22 of the Emigration Ordinance 1979, Arshad allegedly received Rs3.2 million from a complainant after promising to send his son to Italy.

In another case, FIR No. 365/24, registered on the same date under the same provisions, he allegedly took Rs2 million from another complainant on the pretext of sending him to Italy.

The FIA said the accused is also wanted in case No. 85/2025 registered by the FIA Sargodha and inquiry No. 12/26 being conducted by the FIA Gujrat Circle.
Officials said further investigation into the cases and allegations against the accused was underway.

The arrest is part of the FIA’s ongoing crackdown against human traffickers and agents allegedly involved in deceiving people with promises of sending them abroad through illegal or fraudulent means.