The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has intensified its investigation into online gambling and the alleged misuse of digital payment channels, with authorities examining transactions processed through mobile wallet and aggregator accounts.
According to sources cited in the report, mobile wallet operators have closed more than 100 aggregator accounts following notices from the FIA, while several additional accounts were suspended after internal reviews.
The investigation is part of a broader effort to examine how digital payment systems may be used to facilitate illegal online activities.
More Than 100 Aggregator Accounts Closed
Sources said mobile wallet operators closed more than 100 aggregator accounts after receiving notices from the FIA.
Several other accounts were reportedly suspended following internal reviews by the payment service providers.
A significant volume of transactions had allegedly been routed through the accounts under investigation. The suspensions have reportedly affected payments processed through aggregator and merchant channels.
The disruption is also expected to affect the revenue of the mobile wallet involved, while some payments and settlements have reportedly faced delays.
Six Payment Companies Reportedly Affected
According to the sources, payments and settlements involving six major payment companies linked to the mobile wallet have been affected by the ongoing investigation.
International payment processors are also reportedly reviewing delays involving transactions processed through the wallet.
The developments highlight the increasing scrutiny being placed on digital payment channels as authorities investigate whether legitimate financial infrastructure has been used to process transactions connected to prohibited online activities.
FIA Traces Rs119.93 Billion in Transactions
Investigators have reportedly traced transactions worth more than Rs119.93 billion linked to gambling applications.
The figure represents transactions identified during the FIA’s investigation into digital payment channels allegedly used by online gambling platforms.
In another development, investigators reportedly identified more than 10 million transactions worth Rs8.58 billion through just five collection accounts.
The figures have added to concerns about the scale at which digital payment networks may have been used to process transactions associated with online gambling platforms.
Investigation Focuses on Aggregator Accounts
The FIA’s investigation is examining aggregator accounts that serve as intermediaries for processing digital payments.
According to sources, some of the accounts under scrutiny were allegedly being used to process payments for online gambling platforms and adult websites.
The investigation is aimed at determining how such transactions were processed and whether payment channels were being used in violation of applicable laws and regulatory requirements.
The allegations remain part of an ongoing investigation, and the identification of transactions does not by itself establish wrongdoing by every account holder or payment intermediary involved.
State Bank Framework Under Review
Sources said monitoring of aggregator accounts is continuing under the State Bank of Pakistan’s May 2026 framework.
The regulatory framework has increased scrutiny of digital payment channels and the activities conducted through aggregator accounts.
Payment companies are expected to monitor transactions and take appropriate action when suspicious or prohibited activity is identified.
The ongoing FIA probe reflects the growing cooperation between investigative authorities and financial-sector institutions in examining the misuse of digital payment systems.
PTA Blocks Illegal Applications
In a related development, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has reportedly blocked 46 illegal gambling and unregistered trading applications as part of the continuing regulatory action.
The blocking of applications represents another part of the wider effort to restrict access to platforms operating outside applicable regulatory requirements.
Authorities are simultaneously examining the financial infrastructure that may be used by such platforms to receive or transfer funds.
This approach involves both telecommunications and financial channels, with regulators seeking to limit access to prohibited platforms while investigating the transactions associated with them.
Digital Payments Face Greater Scrutiny
The investigation comes as Pakistan’s digital payments sector continues to expand, with mobile wallets, merchant accounts and online payment services becoming increasingly important for consumers and businesses.
The wider use of digital payments also creates challenges for regulators seeking to identify suspicious transactions and prevent financial channels from being misused.
Payment aggregators can process large numbers of transactions on behalf of merchants and online businesses, making monitoring and compliance an important part of the financial system.
The FIA’s latest action indicates that authorities are paying closer attention to the activities taking place through these channels.
Probe Into Online Activity Continues
The FIA’s investigation remains ongoing, with authorities continuing to examine aggregator accounts, transaction records and payment flows connected to online gambling applications.
The reported closure of more than 100 accounts, along with the identification of billions of rupees in transactions, represents a significant development in the investigation.
At the same time, the PTA’s reported blocking of 46 applications demonstrates that the regulatory response extends beyond financial transactions to the digital platforms themselves.
Authorities are expected to continue monitoring payment channels under existing regulatory frameworks while examining transactions suspected of being connected to prohibited online activities.
The investigation will ultimately determine which accounts, transactions and entities may face further action based on the available evidence and applicable laws.
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