The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has apprehended nine suspected human traffickers during raids in Gujranwala and Gujrat.
An FIA spokesperson told the media on Monday that those arrested were Muhammad Shafique, Azmat Ali, Khizer Hayat, Mirza Sikandar, Muhammad Nawaz, Shahid Amin, Shehzad Yusuf, Zafar Iqbal and Asad Abbas.
The spokesperson also highlighted that Zafar Iqbal, an agent apprehended in Mandi Bahauddin, was involved in the abduction of children and trafficking them abroad.
In addition, Shahzad Yusuf was taken into custody in Kharian. He is suspected of being involved in the Libya boat incident and is a member of an international human trafficking network. The spokesman said Yusuf had allegedly extorted Rs2.3 million from a victim, promising employment in Italy.
Additionally, Muhammad Shafiq and Khizer Hayat were found to have extorted Rs4 million each from victims, promising them safe passage to Libya.
Azmat Ali was reported to have extorted Rs5 million from a citizen by falsely offering employment in Libya. Mirza Sikandar had allegedly received Rs5 million to send two sons of a complainant to Europe for work, while Muhammad Nawaz took over Rs1 million for trafficking a person to Cambodia.
The spokesperson added that Shahid Amin had received Rs1.7 million and Asad Abbas Rs2 million from victims.
A significant amount of money was also recovered from their possession during the raids.
FIA Gujranwala Zone Director Abdul Qadir Qamar said all available resources were being deployed to apprehend the remaining perpetrators.
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