The agency urges citizens to verify agents via the FIA’s official list before applying for overseas jobs
Airport Security Force (ASF) personnel stand guard at the international arrivals of Islamabad International Airport. Photo: REUTERS
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested a man accused of running an illegal visa consulting business and defrauding citizens by promising overseas employment, Associated Press of Pakistan reported Saturday.
The suspect, identified as Asif Nadeem, was taken into custody by the FIA’s Anti-Human Trafficking Circle in Islamabad for allegedly running an unauthorized agency under the name of Berlin Immigration Solutions.
According to the FIA, Nadeem is accused of defrauding a citizen of Rs 1.9 million by falsely promising employment in the UK. Investigators said the suspect failed to produce any legitimate travel or employment documents after receiving the money.
The FIA said the arrest followed a formal complaint and a preliminary investigation that uncovered evidence of visa fraud and illegal recruitment. Authorities believe the suspect was part of an organized human trafficking network that targeted job seekers with false assurances of foreign visas and employment.
Additional raids are underway to arrest other agents and facilitators associated with the network, the FIA said, adding that the investigation is continuing to identify additional victims and trace financial transactions.
The agency reiterated its commitment to cracking down on people smuggling and visa fraud and urged citizens to verify agents through the FIA’s official protectorate list before pursuing overseas employment opportunities.
