FIA, Interpol join forces to crack down on human trafficking networks

Islamabad:The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), in collaboration with Interpol, has intensified its operations against human trafficking networks exploiting illegal ocean routes to smuggle individuals across borders. Over the past year, 116 suspects involved in heinous crimes such as human trafficking, murder, robbery, and corruption have been apprehended, underscoring Pakistan's commitment to combating transnational crime and upholding justice, the FIA Headquarters reported on Friday.

In a significant operation on Thursday, the FIA's Gujranwala Zone arrested a suspect linked to the Morocco boat tragedy during a raid in Sialkot's Sambrial area. The suspect, identified as Mohammad Aslam, is accused of orchestrating the smuggling attempt that resulted in the tragic incident.

According to FIA officials, the suspect, along with his accomplices, attempted to smuggle a victim, Aamir Ali, to Spain. The victim was first sent to Mauritania and later forced to board a boat bound for Spain, which led to the fatal accident. While several Pakistanis lost their lives in the tragedy, Aamir Ali was rescued by Moroccan authorities.

The victim's name appeared on a list issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the traffickers reportedly extorted Rs. 5.35 million from his family for the smuggling attempt.

The FIA emphasized its renewed focus on dismantling human trafficking networks and reaffirmed its commitment to combating transnational crimes. Red notices issued in collaboration with Interpol have been instrumental in tracking and apprehending traffickers.

FIA Director General Ahmed Ishaq Jahangir has directed officials to strengthen partnerships with international organizations and enhance the use of advanced technology to bring offenders to justice. He stressed that there will be no safe haven for fugitives involved in serious crimes.

FIA's National Central Bureau (NCB) Interpol Pakistan revealed that red notices have been pivotal in apprehending suspects involved in serious offenses. In 2024 alone, the FIA issued 162 red notices targeting individuals implicated in grave crimes. Additionally, seven yellow notices (to locate missing persons) and two blue notices (to gather more information about suspects) were issued.

Arrests made under these operations span multiple countries, including 53 suspects in United Arab Emirates, 32 in Saudi Arabia, 6 in Oman and 4 each in Spain and Italy. Other countries, such as Switzerland, Germany, Greece, France, the UK, Qatar, and Kyrgyzstan, also contributed to the arrests.

The suspects were handed over to respective departments, including Punjab Police (111 suspects), the National Accountability Bureau (2 suspects), FIA (2 suspects), and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police (1 suspect).

DG FIA Ahmed Ishaq Jahangir hailed the integration of modern tools like the Interpol Find System with Pakistan’s Integrated Border Management System (IBMS) as a “historic achievement.” This system has significantly enhanced the identification of fugitives, recovery of missing persons, and global information exchange. It has also been instrumental in recovering missing children and streamlining the arrest of international criminals.

"The Interpol Find System has yielded remarkable results, facilitating the swift identification and arrest of criminals. It represents Pakistan’s commitment to leveraging technology to combat organized crime," said DG Jahangir.

Pakistan has long faced challenges related to human trafficking and transnational crimes. Recent high-profile tragedies involving migrants have amplified the urgency of robust action against trafficking networks preying on vulnerable individuals.

These collaborative operations between the FIA and Interpol highlight a strategic effort to dismantle organized crime networks, ensure accountability on a global scale, and provide justice for victims. The FIA’s actions reflect Pakistan’s determination to uphold international law and its resolve to protect its citizens from exploitation.