The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) in a recent operation apprehended two individuals allegedly involved in an illegal hawala transaction scheme in Karachi, seizing $22,000, Rs. 2.65 million, and mobile phones from their possession. The suspects were arrested from Lucky Star area in Karachi. According to details provided by the FIA's Commercial Banking Circle Karachi, the arrested individuals identified as Muhammad Waqas and Tilaawat Khan were allegedly engaged in illegal hawala transactions and currency exchange activities. The FIA officials stated that the suspects failed to provide satisfactory explanations regarding the source of the seized currency. Additionally, incriminating messages related to hawala transactions were found on their mobile phones. Following their arrest, an investigation has been initiated, and raids are being conducted to apprehend other suspects involved in the illegal operation.

It's worth noting that this crackdown comes as part of the directives from Director FIA Karachi Zone, Iqbal Sheikh, to target elements involved in illegal hawala transactions and currency exchange. Previously, the FIA had arrested two suspects in Karachi involved in a similar illegal hawala transaction, seizing Rs. 3 million and three mobile phones from their possession. The FIA officials emphasized that the apprehended suspects were unable to provide satisfactory explanations regarding the origin of the seized funds, further necessitating thorough investigation into their activities. Raids are underway to apprehend additional suspects involved in the illegal operation as part of the ongoing crackdown by the FIA against illegal hawala transactions and currency exchange activities in Karachi.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan