FIA busts international begging racket at Karachi airport

The Federal Investigation Agency's (FIA) Immigration Wing has uncovered an organised international begging network during an operation at Jinnah International Airport, officials confirmed on Tuesday.

According to an FIA deputy director, passengers Muhammad Jamil and Gudiya Bibi, residents of Faisalabad, were arrested upon their arrival in Karachi. The suspects had reportedly travelled to Saudi Arabia on Umrah visas but were allegedly involved in organised begging activities.

During initial interrogation, authorities revealed that the network had been sending vulnerable individuals, including disabled youth, abroad for begging. Investigators also traced links to a Jhelum-based agent associated with a wider “Kashmir Ali Network.”

Officials disclosed that funds generated through begging in Saudi Arabia were being transferred via illegal hawala and hundi channels. The money was reportedly routed to an agent based in Canada.

The investigation identified a key suspect, Iftikhar alias “Wakil,” as a central figure in the international racket. Authorities uncovered the use of a suspicious bank account under the name “Abrar Law Associates” for financial transactions linked to the network.

FIA officials seized mobile phones from the accused, recovering receipts and voice notes that reportedly provide strong evidence of organised criminal activity. Both suspects have been taken into custody and shifted to the Anti-Human Trafficking Cell (AHTC) in Karachi for further investigation.

The FIA has warned that such organised groups involved in exploiting individuals for begging abroad remain active and are under close scrutiny.