FIA busts network facilitating foreigners illegally, two officials arrested

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has uncovered an alleged network involved in providing illegal facilitation to foreign nationals in exchange for bribes, resulting in the arrest of two officials, including an employee of the Passport Office and an official of the Special Protection Unit.

According to a report published by Dawn, the investigation emerged during a crackdown involving 406 foreign nationals, including 46 women. The individuals were reportedly detained over suspected involvement in call centres, digital fraud, visa violations and other illegal activities.

FIA officials said the detained foreigners were initially housed in a multi-storey building in Gulberg Greens that had been declared a sub-jail. Later, 231 of them were shifted to Adiala Jail and Attock District Jail.

During the investigation, a Chinese national identified as Jack or Jason allegedly provided information about a network involving officials from immigration, passports and the Special Protection Unit who were reportedly facilitating foreign nationals in exchange for money.

FIA Islamabad Zone Director Syed Shehzad Nadeem Bukhari confirmed that one official each from the Passport Office and Islamabad Police’s Special Protection Unit had been arrested. A case has also been registered against the alleged Chinese facilitator.

According to the case registered by the FIA, the Chinese national told investigators that certain officials were allegedly charging Rs80,000 per foreign national for providing immigration clearance.

The FIA said WhatsApp conversations, chats and alleged payment receipts were recovered from the suspect’s mobile phone. The investigation also reportedly revealed allegations that some foreign nationals were paying monthly amounts to officials of relevant agencies in Islamabad for protection.

The FIA team arrested the Passport Office official from his residence in Ghouri Town. According to officials, a suitcase containing Rs20 million in cash was recovered from the trunk of his vehicle. The money was allegedly intended to be distributed among members of the network.

The FIA later arrested an official of the Special Protection Unit in Islamabad. Further investigation is underway to identify other individuals who may have been involved in the alleged network.