The Federal Investigation Agency carried out a raid outside a passport office in Lahore on Wednesday. During the operation, FIA officials arrested two agents involved in illegal activities. The action was taken by the Anti-Corruption Circle in Garden Town.
According to reports, the arrested individuals were identified as Mohammad Hafeez and Ghulam Mustafa. Both suspects are residents of different areas in Lahore. Authorities said the operation was part of an ongoing crackdown against illegal agents.
The FIA revealed that the accused were targeting citizens visiting the passport office. They were allegedly offering quick passport processing services in exchange for extra money. Many people were reportedly misled by these offers.
Officials stated that the agents were charging illegal fees for basic procedures. These included token issuance, bank challan processing, and other related documents. The suspects were collecting more money than the official charges set by authorities.
The FIA confirmed that such activities are part of a larger network. This network, often referred to as a “passport mafia,” operates outside government offices. It takes advantage of people who are unaware of official procedures.
During the raid, evidence was collected from the suspects. Authorities are now expanding the investigation to identify other individuals involved. The FIA aims to dismantle the entire network linked to these illegal practices.
A spokesperson for the agency said that strict action will continue against such elements. He added that protecting citizens from fraud is a top priority. The agency has urged the public to avoid dealing with unauthorized agents.
Officials also advised citizens to follow official channels for passport applications. They warned that using illegal services can lead to financial loss and legal complications.
The recent arrests highlight the ongoing efforts of the FIA to curb corruption. Authorities believe that continued enforcement will help reduce such incidents in the future.
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Investigations are still ongoing, and more arrests are expected. The agency has assured that all those involved will be brought to justice.
