Blackmailing Overseas Pakistanis: FIA arrests Punjab police officials

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) successfully busted a gang, involving officials from Punjab Police’s Special Branch, providing CNIC verification to expatriates living in UK, while minting money from them. The arrests came within 72 hours in light of the directions passed by the Federal Minister for Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan to the FIA. A complaint was received by the Interior ministry from Pakistan High Commission in London that people telephonically approach applicants living in UK desiring to get CNIC. The culprits demand money for issuing verified CNIC to the expats living in UK and blackmail them. Taking notice of the matter, the Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan directed FIA to launch thorough investigations. Within 72 hours the FIA broke the racket and arrested Punjab Police’s special branch officials Safdar Ali, Shams Parvez, Zeeshan Khan, Yousuf, and Khurram Shehzad. The FIA is now conducting forensic analysis of mobile phone record, computer, and internet.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 18^th, 2016.