FIA arrests 46 suspects, uncovers Rs101m fraud in Gujranwala zone crackdown

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested 46 suspects, including seven proclaimed offenders, during a series of operations conducted across the Gujranwala Zone over the past two weeks, officials said on Monday.

According to the FIA, the operations exposed fraud worth more than Rs101 million and targeted human smugglers, financial fraudsters, illegal currency dealers and other criminal elements.

The agency said several human traffickers were arrested for allegedly defrauding citizens by promising jobs and overseas travel to countries including Italy, Spain, Greece, Germany, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and the United States.

In a major breakthrough, FIA teams arrested several suspected human smugglers, including agent Imtiaz Aslam, during operations launched on the identification of deportees returned from Libya.

The FIA also arrested proclaimed offender Muhammad Akram in a banking fraud case. Investigators alleged that the suspect had embezzled Rs1.5 million from a citizen through fraudulent means.

In separate operations against illegal foreign currency exchange businesses, three suspects were arrested and both local and foreign currencies were recovered from their possession.

At Sialkot International Airport, FIA officials offloaded two passengers who were allegedly travelling on fake documents. During the operation, cash amounting to Rs5.65 million was recovered.

The agency also arrested a suspect, identified as Shahzad Ahmed, during an operation against electricity theft.

Providing a breakdown of the arrests, FIA officials said 18 suspects were arrested in Gujranwala, 14 in Gujrat and 14 in Sialkot.

The FIA Gujranwala Zone reiterated its commitment to continuing indiscriminate action against human smugglers, fraudsters and other individuals involved in exploiting and defrauding the public.

Officials said investigations into the arrested suspects were underway and further arrests could not be ruled out.