The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Lahore Zone has arrested six individuals suspected of human trafficking, including a key figure linked to the 2023 Greece boat disaster, as reported by ARY News.
The suspects were apprehended in coordinated operations in Lahore and Sheikhupura. Among those detained in Lahore were Sibtain Abbas, Bilal Ahmad, Waseem Azam, Muhammad Riaz, and Muhammad Aamir Farooq. Abbas allegedly took Rs 1.7 million from a victim under the pretense of securing a work visa for Italy, which led to an attempt to smuggle him via boat from Libya. The vessel capsized in Greek waters, and the victim remains missing.
Bilal Ahmad reportedly defrauded another citizen of Rs 630,000, promising a job visa for Qatar. Authorities seized 13 Pakistani passports from his possession, indicating a broader illegal immigration network.
Meanwhile, Azam, Riaz, and Farooq were operating a fake consultancy firm, Gulf Medical Consultants, through which they committed visa fraud using counterfeit documents and misleading job offers.
The arrests are part of FIA’s nationwide crackdown on human smuggling. The agency reiterated its zero-tolerance stance and vowed continued action against those exploiting citizens seeking jobs abroad. Investigations remain underway, with further arrests expected.
There are many actions taken as FIA Apprehends Two More Human Smugglers Following Morocco Boat Tragedy
