FIA launches cryptocurrency investigation unit

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has established a dedicated Cryptocurrency Investigation Unit to

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has established a dedicated Cryptocurrency Investigation Unit to strengthen its response to financial crimes involving digital assets and virtual currencies.

The new unit has been created on the special directives of the FIA Director General. Officials said the initiative is aimed at improving the agency’s ability to investigate the growing use of cryptocurrencies in illegal financial activities.

According to FIA officials, the unit will investigate cases involving money laundering, terrorism financing, cybercrime and financial fraud committed through cryptocurrency transactions. It will also monitor suspicious digital financial activities and identify individuals or networks using virtual currencies for unlawful purposes.

The agency said the unit will focus on tracking complex cryptocurrency transactions and gathering digital evidence in cases linked to financial crimes. Authorities believe the growing use of virtual currencies has created new challenges for law enforcement, making specialized expertise essential.

Officials added that the Cryptocurrency Investigation Unit will use advanced technology and internationally accepted investigative methods to trace digital transactions and support criminal investigations. Modern analytical tools will help investigators detect suspicious financial movements and strengthen enforcement efforts.

The FIA also plans to introduce additional measures to prevent the misuse of cryptocurrencies and ensure effective legal action against individuals involved in illegal digital financial activities. The agency said stronger monitoring and improved investigative capacity will help curb financial crimes carried out through virtual assets.

Officials described the establishment of the new unit as an important step towards modernising Pakistan’s financial crime investigations. They said the specialised team will improve the FIA’s ability to respond to emerging threats in the digital financial sector while supporting national efforts to combat money laundering, cybercrime and terrorism financing.