FIA declares Moonis Elahi, five others as 'absconders' in money laundering case

FIA coordinating with international police to apprehend Moonis Elahi, who is residing outside Pakistan

LAHORE:

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has declared Chaudhry Moonis Elahi and five other suspects as absconders in a money laundering case.

The declaration was made during a hearing at Lahore's Special Central Court where the FIA presented an incomplete challan.

The FIA's challan includes Moonis Elahi and co-accused Faryasat Ali, Imtiyar Ali, Aamir Sohail, Wajid Ahmed, and Aamir Fayyaz as absconders, while Zara Elahi, Ahmed Farhan, and Saghim Abbas are mentioned as being out on bail.

The FIA requested the court to freeze the properties of all nine accused.

The court approved the freezing of properties for seven suspects, excluding Moonis Elahi and Saghim Abbas, whose lawyers sought time to present arguments.

The court has scheduled the submission of these arguments by August 20.

Judge Tanveer Ahmed Sheikh issued a written order following the preliminary hearing, stating that the FIA is coordinating with international police to apprehend Moonis Elahi.

Interpol has already issued red notices against him.

The order also includes allegations against Zara Elahi for receiving kickbacks due to her association with Moonis Elahi.

The investigating officer reported that Zara Elahi failed to account for her income.

The challan indicates that Saghim Abbas acted as Moonis Elahi's cash handler, facilitating illicit fund transactions into the bank accounts of other accused individuals, with Ahmed Farhan responsible for depositing the money into these accounts.