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Thursday September 12, 2024

FIA Interpol crackdown on fugitives

DG FIA Ahmed Ishaq Jahangir

By Shakeel Anjum
August 19, 2024
The Federal Investigation Agency logo can be seen outside the FIA building in Islamabad. — FIA website/File
The Federal Investigation Agency logo can be seen outside the FIA building in Islamabad. — FIA website/File

Islamabad:In a significant crackdown on serious crimes, FIA NCB Interpol Pakistan has arrested 73 fugitives from various countries over the past seven months. These individuals were wanted for heinous offenses, including murder, attempted murder, robbery, kidnapping, and corruption.

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), through its National Central Bureau (NCB) Interpol, facilitated these arrests by issuing red notices for the capture of these criminals. Of those apprehended, 69 were sought by the Punjab Police, 2 by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), and 2 by the FIA and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police.

The breakdown of the arrests is as follows: 39 fugitives were apprehended in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), 21 in Saudi Arabia, 6 in Oman, and 2 in Spain. Additionally, 2 individuals were arrested in Malaysia, while 3 were apprehended in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Azerbaijan collectively. Upon their return to Pakistan, the apprehended fugitives were handed over to the relevant police authorities at the airports by FIA Immigration officials.

Over the past seven months, NCB Interpol Pakistan has issued a total of 98 red notices and 2 yellow notices to track down individuals wanted for serious crimes. This includes 90 red notices for suspects wanted by the Punjab Police, 3 by NAB, 3 by FIA, and 2 by the Islamabad and Sindh Police.

Director General of FIA, Ahmed Ishaq Jahangir, praised the performance of NCB Interpol Pakistan, emphasizing the agency's ability to maintain round-the-clock global communication through advanced technology. He stressed that there is no safe haven in the world for those wanted for serious crimes. The DG also highlighted the successful integration of Interpol's FIND system with the Integrated Border Management System (IBMS), a significant achievement that has enhanced the effectiveness of criminal apprehensions. The positive outcomes of this integration are evident in the increased efficiency of arrests.

DG Jahangir commended the efforts of Interpol in gathering crucial information on the fugitives and directed that operations to capture those wanted for serious crimes be further intensified. He also emphasized the importance of strengthening ties with international organizations to ensure that all necessary resources are utilized in the pursuit of justice.