FIA arrests five more human traffickers

Over Rs10 million scammed in fake job offers across Europe, Middle East.

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The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) arrested five agents involved in human trafficking and visa fraud schemes.

The suspects, operating in Gujranwala and Gujrat, scammed unsuspecting citizens by promising overseas employment opportunities, Express News reported.

The arrested agents, identified as Farooq Adil, Nazaqat Ali, Muhammad Asif, Muhammad Arsalan, and Adnan Ali, collectively defrauded victims of nearly Rs10 million ($35,000).

Each suspect targeted individuals with offers of jobs in various countries, including Europe and the Middle East.

Nazaqat Ali reportedly swindled Rs5 million ($17,500) by promising illegal passage to Libya and Europe.

Farooq Adil conned a victim out of Rs 1.45 million ($5,100) with the false promise of a job in Romania, while Muhammad Asif tricked someone into paying Rs 1.1 million ($3,850) for a Kyrgyzstan work opportunity.

Arsalan and Adnan Ali deceived victims with job offers in Kuwait and Italy, taking Rs 1.03 million ($3,600) and Rs 1.3 million ($4,550), respectively.

The suspects went into hiding after collecting these hefty amounts.

FIA Gujranwala Zone Director stated that raids are ongoing to apprehend additional suspects.

Authorities are employing all resources and conducting intelligence-led operations to dismantle human trafficking networks. Officials have pledged to secure convictions based on strong evidence against the accused.

Earlier this week, PM Shehbaz Sharif directed authorities to intensify action against human traffickers and their facilitators, instructing officials to make them "examples for others."

During a high-level meeting, PM Shehbaz commended the FIA for its recent actions against government officials involved in facilitating human trafficking networks.

He emphasised the need for swift legal measures to seize the assets of traffickers and hold them accountable.

"Strict legal action should be taken against all human trafficking groups operating in the country so they become a warning for others," PM Shehbaz said.

He urged the Ministry of Law and Justice to engage top-tier prosecutors to strengthen cases against traffickers and ensure effective legal proceedings.

The prime minister also instructed the Foreign Office to liaise with international counterparts for the extradition of Pakistani nationals running trafficking operations from abroad.

In a bid to curb illegal migration, PM Shehbaz called for a nationwide awareness campaign, in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, to promote the use of legal avenues for seeking overseas employment.

PM Shehbaz stressed the importance of enhancing technical training institutes to produce certified professionals aligned with global market demands. Additionally, he directed authorities to improve screening protocols at airports for those travelling abroad.