FIA uncovers fake apostille sticker network in Islamabad
Case registered: Twenty-two suspects, including six Foreign Ministry officials, have been named in case
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has uncovered a network involved in the production and circulation of fake apostille stickers, government stamps and official documents in Islamabad.
According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, the FIA Anti-Corruption Circle conducted a raid at F Plaza in the Aabpara area of Islamabad as part of an investigation into the alleged fraud network.
A case has been registered against 22 suspects, including 16 private individuals and six officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The agency alleged that the network was operating with the alleged involvement of Foreign Ministry officials.
The FIA said citizens were allegedly charged large sums of money in the name of providing faster apostille and document verification services.
Investigators also found that fake apostille stickers were allegedly being circulated at different locations across Pakistan.
The FIA has expressed concern that the alleged network may have caused substantial losses to the national exchequer.
The FIA Islamabad registered case number 48/2026 in connection with the alleged fraud. The case includes charges under sections 420, 468, 471 and 109 of the Pakistan Penal Code, as well as provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
People associated with several organisations, including Sofi Consultants, ECS and RAAK Consultancy, have also been named as alleged members of the network.
The suspects arrested in the case were produced before the court, which approved their three-day physical remand for further investigation.
Reporter: Tayyab Saif