FIA nabs key human trafficking suspect
A undated handout photo provided by the Hellenic Coast Guard shows migrants onboard a boat during a rescue operation, before their boat capsized on the open sea, off Greece, June 14, 2023. PHOTO: REUTERS
The anti-human trafficking cell of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested the father of one of the accused traffickers in the Greek boat tragedy.
At least 800 people – half of them Pakistanis – were believed to be on board a fishing trawler carrying illegal migrants to Italy capsized off the coast of Greece. Only 104 people, including 12 Pakistanis survived.
The prime minister had ordered a crackdown against human smugglers, with the interior minister saying on Tuesday that the probe would be completed within a week.
Since the crackdown, at least two people connected with the ring have been arrested – one from Gujranwala and another from Vehari – were arrested.
The latest man to be arrested is said to the father of another man already arrested in connection with the case.
Sources said the alleged trafficker Abid Hussain, who is from Sheikhapura, took Rs3.5 million from a family to send a young man to Europe.
As part of the crackdown, eight different cases have been registered in which more than 22 human traffickers and facilitators have been named.
FIA added that they were conducting raids for more arrests.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 21st, 2023.