Rs20m in Car Trunk: FIA Busts Alleged Airport Racket

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Investigation Agency’s Anti-Corruption Cell in Islamabad has launched an investigation into an alleged network accused of facilitating immigration clearance of foreign nationals at Islamabad International Airport in return for payments, with FIA sources claiming that approximately Rs20 million in cash was recovered during the operation.

Investigation Leads to Ghouri Town Raid

According to information shared by FIA sources, the investigation developed following information linked to a Chinese national and subsequently led investigators to conduct a raid in the Ghouri Town area of Islamabad.

During the operation, officials arrested Junaid Mughal, described by FIA sources as an employee of the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports.

Investigators allege that his mobile phone contained WhatsApp conversations and information relating to payments and immigration clearance.

Rs80,000 Allegedly Charged Per Passenger

FIA sources alleged that the network charged as much as Rs80,000 per passenger for facilitating immigration clearance of foreign nationals.

These allegations have not yet been independently established before a court.

The most significant recovery claimed by investigators was approximately Rs20 million in cash, allegedly discovered inside a black suitcase in the trunk of a vehicle.

FIA officials said the money was taken into custody through a seizure memo as part of the investigation.

Second Official Arrested

Investigators further claim that Mughal admitted receiving a bribe from a Chinese national.

Any alleged admission, however, remains subject to evidentiary requirements, investigation and determination by the competent court.

The FIA has also arrested Zafar Iqbal, identified by sources as an official of the Islamabad Police’s Special Protection Unit (SPU).

According to investigators, examination of his mobile phone allegedly revealed conversations concerning passports, visas and immigration clearance, as well as material relating to the alleged facilitation of foreign passengers travelling on different flights.

Case Registered Against Three Individuals

The FIA has registered a case against three individuals, including a Chinese national, under Sections 109, 161 and 419 of the Pakistan Penal Code and Section 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947, according to the information provided by FIA sources.

Investigators are now examining whether other individuals were involved.

FIA sources say the scope of the inquiry has been expanded to investigate the possible role of additional personnel associated with the SPU, immigration authorities, NCCIA, and private individuals.

Investigation Focuses on Airport Immigration

The investigation is particularly significant because FIA itself is responsible for immigration enforcement at Pakistan’s international entry and exit points.

According to the agency’s official description of its mandate, the Immigration Wing examines travel documents and processes international passengers, while the Anti-Corruption Wing investigates corruption connected with federal organisations.

FIA’s 2025 annual report also says the agency has been moving toward stronger biometric controls, risk-based passenger profiling and more auditable digital immigration workflows, underscoring the importance of integrity in airport immigration procedures.

Further Investigation Underway

Further investigation is expected to focus on the origin and intended destination of the recovered cash, the authenticity and context of the digital communications allegedly recovered from the suspects’ phones, and whether other officials or private facilitators were involved.