FIA foils attempt to use fake maritime documents at Karachi Port, imposes Rs2m fine on vessel

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Immigration and Anti-Human Trafficking Wing has foiled a major attempt involving the use of forged maritime documents at Karachi Port, authorities said on Monday.

According to FIA officials, action was taken by the FIAC Port Karachi team during immigration clearance of the container vessel CV Albert P, which was carrying more than 1,352 containers of import and transit cargo.

The ship, sailing under the flag of the Marshall Islands, had arrived in Karachi from the Omani port city of Salalah and was berthed at SAPT-03, Keamari Seaport.

Officials said the vessel had already unloaded 529 containers and loaded another 204 containers before it was scheduled to depart for Port Muhammad Bin Qasim.

During immigration clearance of the vessel’s 26-member crew, FIA personnel identified four technicians travelling with allegedly fake seaman’s books issued by Belize and Bahamas.

The accused were identified as Subhano Richie Juridico, Subtan George Ian Gomez, Hussain Shaheer and Ali Furqan.

Authorities said none of the four individuals possessed valid flag state or national seaman’s books and were also unable to provide supporting documents required under international maritime conventions.

During questioning, the captain of the vessel and the four crew members reportedly admitted that the documents were fake.

According to FIA officials, the forged seaman’s books had allegedly been arranged through a Dubai-based shipping agent, pointing towards the existence of an organised international network involved in the issuance and distribution of forged maritime documents.

Following the operation, a total fine of Rs2 million was imposed on the ship through its local handling agent, GAC Pakistan Private Limited, under Section 6(3) of the Foreigners Order, 1951.

The FIA also issued show-cause notices to the ship’s captain and the relevant crew members under Sections 3(2), 13 and 14 of the Foreigners Act, 1946 for further legal proceedings.

Officials described the action as the third major success by FIAC Port Karachi during May 2026 in preventing the use of forged maritime documents by foreign and local crew members.

The FIA said the operation reflected the agency’s “zero tolerance policy” towards immigration violations and reaffirmed its commitment to strict enforcement of immigration laws at Pakistani seaports.