FIA Lahore arrests 4 in crackdown on counterfeit goods

According to the FIA Lahore Zone, the Corporate Crime Circle conducted the operations under the supervision of the agency’s senior leadership. Three

LAHORE: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Lahore has arrested four suspects in two separate operations targeting the production and sale of counterfeit products and the operation of an unauthorized internet service, as the agency reiterated its zero-tolerance policy against economic crimes, corruption and the agent mafia.

According to the FIA Lahore Zone, the Corporate Crime Circle conducted the operations under the supervision of the agency’s senior leadership. Three suspects, identified as Ijaz Sarwar, Shahid Hussain and Shahzad Ahmed, were arrested in connection with alleged violations of the Copyright Act.

During the operation, FIA officials recovered a substantial quantity of counterfeit products allegedly bearing the branding of a registered company. The suspects were accused of manufacturing and selling the products without authorization, allegedly causing financial losses to legitimate businesses and affecting government revenue.

In a separate operation, FIA officials arrested Farman Ali for allegedly running an unauthorized internet service. The agency registered a case under the Pakistan Telecommunication Act and seized equipment and network devices allegedly being used to provide the illegal service.

Speaking to Minute Mirror, FIA Lahore Director Captain (R) Muhammad Ali Zia said the agency would continue pursuing offenders involved in economic crimes and unauthorized telecommunications activities without discrimination.

He said manufacturing counterfeit goods and operating illegal internet services could harm legitimate businesses, consumers and national revenue, adding that strict action would continue against offences falling within the FIA’s scheduled jurisdiction.

Captain (R) Zia said instructions issued by Federal Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi and FIA Director General Dr Usman Anwar would be implemented in letter and spirit. He added that no negligence, carelessness, incompetence or dereliction of duty by FIA personnel would be tolerated.

The FIA Lahore director further warned that officials found involved in negligence or misuse of authority would face legal action, stressing that enforcement operations would be conducted without fear, favour or discrimination.

The agency said investigations into both cases are continuing, while further legal action will be taken on the basis of evidence collected during the investigations.

The FIA has also urged citizens to report suspected counterfeit manufacturing, unauthorized commercial activities and illegal internet services to the relevant authorities.