Pakistan to blacklist 671 foreign nationals

FIA to probe local links to alleged fraud, blackmail networks

ISLAMABAD:

The FIA has decided to place 671 foreign nationals arrested during recent raids on call centres on Pakistan's foreign blacklist, permanently barring them from re-entering the country, according to FIA sources.

The sources said the foreign nationals, arrested during operations against call centres in Islamabad, would not be allowed to return to Pakistan after completing the relevant legal and administrative procedures.

The FIA has also decided to investigate the local links and facilitators allegedly connected with the foreign nationals involved in illegal activities. The investigation aims to identify Pakistani people and networks that may have been assisting or facilitating the activities of the foreign suspects.

According to the sources, the arrested foreigners were allegedly involved in fraud, blackmail and other criminal activities while operating in Pakistan. Some suspects were also allegedly involved in the international sale and distribution of sexually explicit live-streamed content online. The FO has been approached to share information about the suspects' alleged criminal activities with their respective countries.