FIA Cracks Down on Human Smuggling: 3,130 Agents Arrested Since June 2023
FIA says 2,421 human smuggling cases have been registered since June 2023, leading to the arrest of 3,130 alleged agents, freezing of assets worth over Rs961 million, and action following seven major migrant boat tragedies.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has launched an extensive nationwide crackdown against human smuggling networks, registering 2,421 cases and arresting 3,130 alleged human smugglers since June 2023, according to official data obtained by Islamabad Tribune.
The figures reveal the scale of enforcement action taken against individuals accused of illegally sending Pakistani citizens to Europe and other destinations through irregular migration routes.
According to the FIA, authorities have frozen properties worth Rs961.71 million belonging to alleged human smugglers, while Rs84.4 million has been recovered during investigations. In addition, bank accounts containing Rs239.63 million have also been frozen as part of financial investigations targeting the networks.
The agency said seven major migrant boat tragedies have been reported since June 2023. In connection with these incidents, 309 criminal cases were registered and 258 suspected human smugglers were arrested.
Investigators also recovered approximately Rs62 million from suspects linked to the boat tragedies, froze properties worth Rs745.81 million, and blocked bank accounts containing Rs164 million, the FIA said.
Apart from the boat disaster cases, the FIA registered 2,112 additional human smuggling cases, arrested 2,872 suspects, and recovered around Rs20.5 million during separate operations.
The FIA says investigations and enforcement operations against organised human smuggling networks continue across the country, with a focus on dismantling financial structures supporting illegal migration.
