Attempt to travel abroad illegally thwarted

Passenger off-loaded while trying to travel to Europe via Morocco

KARACHI:

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Immigration at Jinnah Terminal foiled a passenger's attempt to illegally travel abroad, exposing a network involved in human trafficking. The passenger revealed that his ultimate goal was to unlawfully cross the borders into Spain and Italy via Morocco.

The FIA staff stationed at the Jinnah Terminal thwarted the attempt of accused Saddam Hussain to travel abroad Illegally. The accused was going to Morocco on a visit visa. During immigration the staff found suspicious statement by the passenger who was then handed over to the General Checking Officers (GCOs) for further investigation. During the investigation, the accused revealed that his intention to travel to Morocco was to cross the borders of Spain and Italy illegally. He further disclosed that he obtained the Moroccan visa by paying Rs800,000 in cash to an agent named Naveed, a resident of Sheikhupura. The suspect also admitted to being in contact with human traffickers Jabbar and Qari Amjad through WhatsApp. Qari Amjad, who resides abroad, is reportedly involved in human trafficking to Europe through illegal routes, including dangerous sea crossings. Saddam Hussain revealed that Qari Amjad, also hailing from Sheikhupura, had minted millions of rupees from several people under the guise of facilitating illegal travel to Europe. The suspect paid Qari Amjad €2,000 upfront and agreed to pay an additional €13,000 on reaching Spain or Italy.

The suspect was handed over to the Anti-Human Trafficking (AHT) Circle along with all evidence for further interrogation.