FIA Islamabad Cracks Down on Illegal Visa Agents, Arrests 190 Suspects and Recovers Rs 615.5 Million in Four Months

FIA Islamabad Cracks Down on Illegal Visa Agents, Arrests 190 Suspects and Recovers Rs 615.5 Million in Four Months

ISLAMABAD, October 16, 2026 - The Federal Investigation Agency has arrested 190 people in Islamabad and Rawalpindi during a four-month crackdown on illegal visa agents who cheated citizens with false promises of jobs and travel abroad. The FIA Islamabad Zone also recovered Rs615.55 million from the suspects, the zone's spokesperson told The Nation. The drive was run under the supervision of the Director FIA Islamabad Zone and has gathered pace in recent months.

FIA Islamabad illegal visa agents targeted in twin-city operation

The Anti-Human Trafficking Circles in Islamabad and Rawalpindi carried out the operations against the illegal networks. The Islamabad circle did the bulk of the work, arresting 120 suspects, recovering Rs411.05 million and registering 875 cases.

The Rawalpindi circle arrested 70 suspects, recovered Rs204.5 million and registered 668 cases. Between them, the two circles registered 1,543 cases in four months, an average of more than 12 cases a day.

Officials said the zone will continue working to protect citizens from fraud committed in the name of overseas employment and travel. Legal action against illegal visa agents will go on, and the agency aims to help stop human trafficking through these networks.

How the fraud networks operated

Illegal visa agents typically approach job seekers and students with offers that sound too good to refuse. They promise confirmed work visas, quick processing and guaranteed departures, often without any real employer or sponsor abroad.

Victims are asked to pay large sums in advance, sometimes in several instalments. In many cases the documents provided turn out to be fake, or the agent disappears once the money is collected. Families have sold land, gold and savings to arrange the payments, only to lose everything.

Some agents even run professional-looking offices with printed brochures and fake embassy contacts to appear legitimate. They use social media advertisements targeting young people in small towns, where awareness of official procedures is low. Once trust is built, the demands for money begin, and the excuses start when departure dates keep shifting.

The FIA spokesperson said citizens must carry out proper verification before striking any deal with an agent for work or travel abroad. People were also urged to report fraud and illegal activity to the authorities without delay.

What the recovery means for victims

The Rs615.55 million recovered by the FIA is a significant sum, and part of it may eventually be returned to victims through the courts. Legal proceedings will decide how the recovered money is handled in each case.

For the victims, however, recovery of money is only part of the story. Many lost months or years chasing false promises, and some faced dangerous attempts to travel through illegal routes. The crackdown sends a message that such networks are being watched.

Experts say prevention matters more than punishment. Checking an agent's licence, verifying job offers with the employer directly and using official government channels for overseas employment can save families from ruin.

Why this crackdown matters for Pakistan

Overseas employment is a lifeline for hundreds of thousands of Pakistani families. Remittances sent home by workers abroad support the national economy and keep countless households afloat.

Fraud in this sector does more than rob individuals. It erodes trust in legal migration channels and pushes desperate people toward human traffickers. A strong enforcement drive protects both the victims and the integrity of the system.

The scale of this operation, with 190 arrests and over 1,500 cases in just four months, shows how widespread the problem had become in the twin cities. Sustained action will be needed to keep the pressure on these networks.

The crackdown also fits into a broader push against human trafficking, since illegal visa agents often feed into smuggling routes. Recent cases reported in the press have shown how fraud victims can end up in dangerous situations abroad. A coordinated response between the FIA, immigration authorities and foreign missions remains the best defence.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many people did the FIA arrest in the crackdown?

The FIA arrested 190 people in Islamabad and Rawalpindi during the four-month crackdown on illegal visa agents. The Islamabad circle arrested 120 suspects while the Rawalpindi circle arrested 70. The two circles together registered 1,543 cases.

How much money did the FIA recover from the suspects?

The FIA recovered Rs615.55 million from the suspects during the four-month operation. The Islamabad circle recovered Rs411.05 million and the Rawalpindi circle recovered Rs204.5 million. Courts will decide how the recovered money is handled in each case.

Which FIA units carried out the operation?

The Anti-Human Trafficking Circles in Islamabad and Rawalpindi carried out the operations. The drive was run under the supervision of the Director FIA Islamabad Zone. The spokesperson said the campaign has gathered pace in recent months.

How can citizens protect themselves from visa fraud?

Citizens should verify an agent's credentials and check job offers directly with the foreign employer before paying any money. The FIA advised people to complete all necessary verification before striking a deal with any agent. Fraud or illegal activity should be reported to the authorities without delay.

What should I do if I have already been cheated by a visa agent?

Victims should file a complaint with the FIA's Anti-Human Trafficking Circle in their city as soon as possible. Keep all receipts, messages and documents related to the payments made. Early reporting improves the chances of arresting the culprits and recovering the money.