FIA steps up global crime fight through interpol network

Marking the United Nations International Day of Police Cooperation on September 7, FIA officials highlighted the agency’s growing reliance on digital

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has intensified cooperation with Interpol to strengthen its response to transnational threats, including terrorism, human trafficking, financial fraud and cross-border cybercrime.

Marking the United Nations International Day of Police Cooperation on September 7, FIA officials highlighted the agency’s growing reliance on digital systems, integrated border data and international law-enforcement coordination to track suspects and disrupt criminal networks operating across borders.

FIA Director General Dr Usman Anwar told Minute Mirror that cooperation with Interpol has evolved from a largely reactive mechanism into a more technology-driven system. He said closer coordination with Interpol’s General Secretariat in Lyon was enabling Pakistani authorities to exchange information and identify suspects more rapidly.

A key component of the agency’s counter-terrorism efforts is its collaboration with Interpol under Project Watchmaker, which supports law-enforcement agencies in identifying individuals and threats associated with explosives and international terrorism.

The FIA Counter-Terrorism Wing has specialized units dealing with financial investigations, cyber-terrorism and explosive-related forensic analysis. The agency also maintains a Red Book containing information on wanted terrorists, with officials working to integrate the database into its digital Case Management System.

The FIA has also moved toward greater digitization of investigations and official records. The Case Management System is linked with the Integrated Border Management System, allowing authorities to cross-check investigative and travel information and identify suspects attempting to cross international borders.

According to officials, the digital framework includes mechanisms for securing electronic evidence, tracking official notices and assisting in the identification of fugitives through advanced technological tools.

The agency’s cooperation with Interpol also plays a central role in pursuing fugitives abroad. Requests for Red Notices pass through a series of legal and administrative approvals before being forwarded to Interpol in Lyon. Pakistani authorities can subsequently pursue extradition proceedings under the Extradition Act, 1972, along with applicable bilateral agreements with foreign countries.

The restructuring of Pakistan’s cybercrime investigation framework has also changed the responsibilities of federal law-enforcement bodies. Following the establishment of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), the FIA has been able to concentrate more heavily on transnational terrorism, human smuggling and financial crimes, while the NCCIA handles a broader range of domestic cybercrime investigations.

Dr Anwar said the division of responsibilities would allow the relevant agencies to develop greater specialization in their respective fields, particularly as criminal networks increasingly exploit digital platforms and financial technologies.

Officials have also raised concerns over the use of online fraud, cryptocurrency transactions and informal financial channels to facilitate terrorism financing. The FIA’s financial investigation mechanisms are being used to trace suspected money flows and identify assets potentially linked to criminal or terrorist networks.

An ongoing investigation referred to as Operation Digital Falcon was cited as an example of the evolving approach. Officials said digital evidence and international cooperation were used to trace a suspect allegedly linked to a proscribed organization after the individual moved outside Pakistan.

Looking ahead, the FIA plans to expand cooperation with international partners, including through enhanced cyber-forensics coordination and further integration between its digital investigation systems and Interpol mechanisms.

Officials said stronger real-time information sharing and cross-border coordination would remain crucial as organized crime, terrorism and financial fraud increasingly operate beyond national boundaries.