Report: M.B. Qamar — ANI
GUJRANWALA — The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Gujranwala Zone has launched a major crackdown against human traffickers, agents, illegal immigration networks and individuals allegedly involved in fraud against citizens seeking employment abroad, arresting 16 suspects.
According to FIA officials, the suspects were arrested during separate operations conducted by FIA Gujranwala Circle, FIA Gujrat Circle and FIA Sialkot Circle.
The arrested individuals include alleged human traffickers, agents and suspects wanted in various cases involving overseas employment fraud and illegal immigration.
The suspects allegedly collected substantial amounts of money from citizens on the pretext of sending them to Canada, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Greece, Germany, Turkey, Iraq, Bahrain and other countries for employment or settlement.
During the operations, FIA officials also arrested an individual who had previously been deported from Libya. Initial investigations have reportedly revealed important information regarding the alleged role of agents involved in facilitating illegal travel abroad.
According to FIA, the cases registered against the arrested suspects involve alleged financial fraud amounting to approximately Rs 28.89 million, while additional amounts of USD 50,000 and Rs 250,000 are also involved in separate cases.
The arrested suspects have been identified as Israr, Muhammad Sajim, Haji Muhammad Ejaz, Shoaib Sarwar, Muhammad Hizbullah, Wajid Ali, Muhammad Ashfaq, Nisar Ali, Nisar Ahmed, Riaz Aziz, Amir Sohail, Muhammad Akhtar, Muhammad Afzal, Owais Ali, Muhammad Asif and Muhammad Ahsan.
The FIA Gujranwala Zone said further investigation against all arrested suspects is underway, while efforts are continuing to identify and arrest other individuals allegedly involved in the networks.
The agency reiterated that action against elements involved in human trafficking, illegal immigration and overseas employment fraud will continue.
