SIALKOT – Authorities have exposed a shocking case where a ‘Fake’ Football Team from Sialkot attempted to enter Japan but was deported after fraud was detected.
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) confirmed that the group of 22 individuals pretended to be players. They boarded a flight from Sialkot Airport but were stopped by Japanese authorities on arrival when their documents were found to be fake.
According to investigators, Malik Waqas was the mastermind behind the scheme. He allegedly created a bogus club called Golden Football Trial to carry out the plan. Officials said the ‘Fake’ Football Team was trained to act like professional players to avoid suspicion during travel.
Reports revealed that Waqas collected nearly Rs4 million from each member of the ‘Fake’ Football Team. The scam brought in millions of rupees, making it a major case of fraud and human smuggling.
The FIA has arrested Malik Waqas and registered a case at the Gujranwala police station. Officials added that the investigation is ongoing to identify more individuals involved in the illegal network.
Authorities highlighted that this is not the first time criminals have exploited sports identities for illegal migration. The FIA stressed the need for stronger checks at airports to prevent such incidents in the future.
The exposure of the ‘Fake’ Football Team has raised concern about how traffickers use sports as a cover. It also shows the risks faced by people who pay huge sums to agents, hoping to reach foreign countries.
Officials assured that strict legal action will be taken against those misusing football for human smuggling and fraud.
In other related news also read FIFA Removes Suspension on Pakistan Football
