FIA spooks 'fooled' as Sarafa Bazaar traders make 163kg silver 'disappear'
FIA says only 15kg recovered during Saddar operation: Traders surround FIA raiding team to whisk away silver bars: Inquiry launched against suspects and those accused of 'making silver disappear': Digital evidence and mobile phones have been seized for further inquiry: Situation tense as protests break out at the scene
A team of Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Karachi Zone carried out a massive raid at Sarafa Bazaar in the port city against suspected gold and silver smugglers, but the operation led to chaos after traders surrounded the FIA team and around 163 kilogrammes of silver which the FIA spooks were after "went missing", reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Friday morning.
According to FIA sources, the raid triggered concern among shopkeepers, who gathered around the team and created a tense situation in the busy market. More FIA personnel were then called to the area as the crowd grew larger.
As per the channel report, the FIA Karachi Zone carried out one of the largest operations against suspected smuggling networks in the city’s jewellery market on Friday morning.
The situation became strained when shopkeepers gathered around the FIA team during the raid, prompting authorities to call in additional personnel to maintain their security and law and order in the area.
Traders began protesting against the operation while investigators continued questioning shop owners and staff members and examining records and other important documents.
Investigations linked to gold and silver smuggling are ongoing, and several traders and shopkeepers in the Sarafa Market have been questioned for hours regarding suspected illegal activities.
Security in the area was tightened after large crowds gathered in the market during the operation.
In a clarification issued today, the FIA Karachi Zone spokesperson said it had taken notice of misleading and edited videos circulating online regarding the raid.
The FIA spokesperson stated that the operation had been conducted on the basis of confidential and verified intelligence concerning alleged silver smuggling and that the raid was carried out in accordance with the law.
According to the spokesperson, some individuals attempted to worsen the situation by gathering crowds and obstructing official action, but FIA personnel handled the situation with restraint and professionalism.
The FIA spokesperson stated that official records showed 178 kilograms of silver should have been present at the shop targeted during the operation. However, only 15 kilograms of locally branded silver were recovered at the site.
The FIA spokesperson alleged that the missing 163 kilograms of silver may have been removed during the disturbance created by the traders and shopkeepers at the market.
The FIA spokesperson further claimed that important digital evidence linked to alleged smuggling networks had been obtained from the mobile phones of suspects.
The FIA spokesperson said investigations had been launched against suspects and facilitators on allegations of smuggling, obstructing government officials and inciting crowds against state action.
The FIA spokesperson stressed that the operation was directed only against smugglers and the people involved in economic crimes, not against the wider business community.
The FIA spokesperson added that strict action would continue against those accused of interfering in legal operations and harming state interests.
Reporter: Dur-e-Shahwar