International criminal: FIA nabs key human trafficking ring member

Ajib Gul’s network extended from Pakistan to Greece.

LAHORE:

A key member of an international human trafficking ring wanted in 15 cases has been arrested by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), The Express Tribune has learnt.

Ajib Gul, alias Raja Humayaun was not only in the FIA’s Red Book-2009 (which comprises particulars of high profile human smugglers) but also had a red warrant issued against him by Interpol on the Pakistan government’s request.

The FIA team nabbed Gul, a resident of Gujrat district, while he was trying to flee across the Azad Kashmir border to India, Gujranwala Circle FIA Deputy Director Gul Sanober confirmed while talking to The Express Tribune.

Gul’s network extended to Pakistan, Iran, Turkey and Greece.

He was reportedly operating from Istanbul, and his father Sultan Mehmood alias Raja Ansar was also a notorious human trafficker who was arrested in 2008.

The smuggler’s arrest had become a challenge for the FIA over the last three years – Gul was always accompanied by at least seven men armed with sophisticated weapons and would enter Pakistan through the border with Iran, the FIA deputy director said.

Gul was wanted by the FIA in 15 cases whereas another 50 inquiries were registered against him in the FIA anti-human trafficking circle, Gujranwala police station, alone.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 5^th, 2012.