FIA operation in Islamabad busts visa fraud network

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Islamabad has arrested a visa fraud agent linked to human trafficking and foreign employment scams, officials confirmed on Saturday.

The accused, identified as Asif Nadeem, was running an illegal agency called “Berlin Immigration Solutions” in the federal capital, promising jobs abroad and extorting large sums from unsuspecting citizens. According to the FIA, Nadeem collected Rs 1.9 million from a citizen with the promise of a UK job but failed to provide any legal travel documents or genuine employment opportunities.

An FIA official described Nadeem as part of a wider human trafficking network that lures vulnerable citizens with false claims of visas and overseas jobs. The agency said a preliminary investigation began after the victim lodged a complaint, leading to Nadeem’s arrest during a raid. Evidence of visa fraud, illegal recruitment, and financial transactions was also recovered.

Further raids are underway at multiple locations to apprehend other agents and facilitators linked to the network. Investigations are ongoing to identify additional victims and trace financial transactions related to the scams.

The FIA reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on human trafficking and visa fraud, advising citizens to verify any foreign employment agent through the FIA’s official Protector of Immigrants before making arrangements abroad to avoid falling victim to fraud.

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