The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has stepped up its nationwide campaign against illegal currency networks and human smuggling operations, making multiple arrests and seizing millions of rupees in cash.
According to an FIA spokesperson, the Commercial Banking Circle in Peshawar launched a targeted operation against a hundi-hawala network, arresting two suspects identified as Muhammad Khalid and Muhammad Latif.
During the raids, the FIA recovered more than Rs216 million in cash along with evidence of illegal hawala transactions. The arrested men failed to produce valid licences for currency dealings and could not justify the possession of such large amounts. Authorities have launched a formal investigation into the case.
In a separate action, FIA’s Balochistan Zone foiled a human smuggling attempt in Gwadar’s Jiwani area, arresting 60 individuals who were attempting to illegally cross into Iran by sea.
Those detained included:
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19 from Malakand
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16 from Bannu
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9 each from Gujranwala and Lower Dir
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3 from Upper Dir
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2 from Mardan
The FIA confirmed that four separate cases have been registered, and further investigations are underway.
Officials said the ongoing crackdown is part of FIA’s broader campaign to dismantle illegal networks involved in money laundering, hawala operations, and human trafficking, which have been causing significant economic and social challenges in the country.