FIA arrests human trafficker from Taftan

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested from Balochistan a key member of a racket involved in human trafficking as part of its ongoing crackdown against human smugglers.

According to a statement issued by the FIA spokesperson on Saturday, the alleged trafficker, identified as Iftikhar Hussain, was taken into custody by the FIA anti-human trafficking circle from the Taftan area of Chagai district which shares borders with Iranian province of Sistan Baluchestan.

The arrested suspect, the FIA said, is a key member of an organized human smuggling gang and has been involved in illegally sending citizens abroad through unauthorized routes.

"The suspect has unlawfully facilitated the travel of several individuals to foreign countries. Action against him was taken based on a tip-off.

"He was found involved in placing fake FIA immigration stamps on passengers' passports. Several passports and mobile phones were recovered from his possession. Further investigation into the matter has been initiated," the spokesperson added.

Meanwhile, the FIA Faisalabad Zone on Saturday also arrested a man involved in human trafficking and visa fraud. The suspect, identified as Umar Irfan, was arrested during a raid in Sahiwal.

According to the FIA, he had been wanted since 2018 for scamming people by promising jobs abroad. He allegedly took over Rs1.1 million from innocent citizens by offering fake overseas employment and demanding illegal payments.