177 human traffickers arrested in FIA crackdown, assets seized

AHORE : The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Lahore Zone has registered 318 cases against human traffickers over the past three months, intensifying its crackdown on illegal human smuggling networks.

According to FIA officials, 177 human traffickers have been arrested during this period, including two most-wanted individuals listed in the Red Book.

FIA has already submitted challans in 168 cases to the competent courts, while convictions have been secured in 43 cases.

In a significant development, FIA has also initiated proceedings under anti-money laundering laws in 12 cases. The agency has seized more than 33 kanals of property linked to human trafficking suspects and frozen bank accounts worth over Rs10 million used by the traffickers.

FIA Lahore Zone Director Sarfaraz Khan Virk stated that the operation against human smuggling networks is being further intensified. He added that officers deployed at all airports across the country are maintaining strict surveillance to apprehend agents involved in these crimes. "Those who play with innocent lives will be brought to justice," said Sarfaraz Virk.

He reiterated that the FIA is strictly implementing a zero-tolerance policy against human trafficking, and those arrested will face severe punishments under the law.

The FIA Lahore Zone aimed to completely dismantle international human trafficking networks, ensuring they are eradicated from their roots, he added.