The Federal Investigation Agency's (FIA) Gujranwala Zone conducted two major operations in response to instructions from Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Raza Naqvi, further intensifying the crackdown on human traffickers and illegal financial activities. Accorfing to FIA spokesperson, the FIA Composite Circle teams in Gujarat and Gujranwala carried out the successful raids, resulting in the arrest of two suspects. The accused, identified as Shakeel Ahmed and Hameed Khan, were apprehended from separate locations in Nowshera Varkan and Wazirabad. Shakeel Ahmed is alleged to be involved in a human trafficking operation. Investigations revealed that Ahmed facilitated the illegal transfer of innocent Pakistani citizens abroad for employment purposes.

He reportedly extorted substantial sums of money from his victims under the guise of securing them jobs overseas. In one instance, Ahmed allegedly received 230,000 rupees for sending a woman to Iraq for employment, but subsequently absconded with the money. Hameed Khan, on the other hand, was arrested from Wazirabad's Main Bazar for his involvement in illegal currency exchange and "reference handi," a suspected hawala or informal money transfer system. Authorities seized Pakistani rupees, UAE dirhams, and euros from Khan's possession, along with evidence linked to his illegal financial activities. The FIA has taken both individuals into custody and initiated investigations. Further arrests are expected as authorities delve deeper into the networks involved.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan