FIA Busts Online Fraud Network, 284 Face Deportation
Interior Ministry cancels visas and grants one-time 15-day exit permits to 284 foreign nationals linked to an FIA Islamabad case, while investigators probe alleged online fraud networks, local facilitators and possible official assistance.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has initiated the repatriation of 284 foreign nationals following an FIA investigation in Islamabad, with the Ministry of Interior cancelling their existing visas and authorising one-time exit permits requiring them to leave the country within 15 days.
Interior Ministry Issues Repatriation Order
An Interior Ministry document dated August 14, 2026, reviewed by Islamabad Tribune, refers to FIA AHTC Islamabad Case No. 581/2026 and an FIA Islamabad Zone letter dated August 13.
The ministry states that it has decided to repatriate the individuals named in the attached lists, cancel their current visas and grant them one-time exit permits.
The document further directs that the individuals may leave Pakistan within 15 days, provided they possess valid travel documents and complete all required formalities.
284 Foreign Nationals Listed
The attached lists supplied with the order contain 284 entries, numbered consecutively from 1 to 284. They show that the individuals were predominantly travelling on tourist/visit visas and include nationals listed as being from Vietnam, Indonesia and China, along with at least one entry identifying Malaysia.
The ministry has also asked immigration authorities to place the individuals on the FCL and blacklist after their departure, preventing the further issuance of Pakistani visas to them.
The official order was addressed to the Director General FIA, Inspector General of Islamabad Police and Director General Immigration and Passports, indicating coordination among federal investigative, policing and immigration authorities.
FIA Investigation Into Alleged Online Fraud
The development follows an FIA crackdown against foreign nationals allegedly connected with organised online fraud operations in Islamabad. Contemporary reports also say authorities decided to deport 284 foreign nationals and cancelled their visas while issuing 15-day exit permits.
According to information attributed to FIA Director General Dr Usman Anwar, investigators are examining allegations that members of the network used fake female identities to approach Pakistani citizens online and subsequently induced them to place money into purported investment schemes through different applications.
The alleged operation is being investigated as an organised online fraud network that caused financial losses to Pakistani citizens.
Investigators are also tracing local facilitators and handlers believed to have assisted the foreign nationals.
Investigation Into Possible Local Facilitation
Authorities are additionally examining whether any government personnel facilitated the alleged network. This aspect remains under investigation, and no individual official should be regarded as culpable unless evidence is established through the legal process.
Sources said the foreign nationals were detained during an operation at Sparco Plaza in Gulberg Greens, Islamabad.
Special teams constituted by the FIA subsequently worked on immigration, travel and legal formalities connected with the foreign nationals.
Authorities Examine Wider Online Fraud Network
The case comes amid broader concern over technology-enabled investment scams. In a separate Islamabad case reported in May, authorities registered a case involving alleged online investment fraud through applications, with more than 270 complainants reported at the time.
The FIA officially lists economic and financial crimes, immigration matters and other complex offences among areas handled through its specialised wings. Its official material also stresses action against transnational organised crime and investment in forensic capabilities to combat evolving criminal enterprises.
The investigation into the alleged foreign network, its local facilitators and handlers is expected to continue even as repatriation proceedings move forward. According to the FIA chief’s stated position, anyone found to have facilitated criminal activity would face action irrespective of position or status.
