The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has launched a fresh investigation into an alleged Rs172 billion digital fraud and money-laundering scandal involving call centres operating in Islamabad. The case has resurfaced after nearly two years, with investigators also examining whether senior government officials may have links to the suspected network.
The FIA has formed a new nine-member Joint Investigation Team (JIT) to investigate the allegations. The team will examine the suspected fraud network, the movement of funds through financial accounts and the methods allegedly used to transfer money abroad.
According to investigators, the network was identified in 2025 during an inquiry into illegal activities linked to call centres in the federal capital. Authorities reportedly found that around Rs172 billion in suspected proceeds had moved through different bank and microfinance accounts.
The funds were allegedly transferred between multiple accounts before being sent outside Pakistan. Investigators are now attempting to determine the source of the money, identify the people involved and establish how the alleged money-laundering operation was carried out.
The latest probe is expected to focus on the financial trail and the possible involvement of individuals operating the call centres. It may also examine whether any officials helped the network continue its activities or facilitated the movement of funds. However, the allegations have not yet been proven, and the investigation is still ongoing.
The development comes as the FIA continues its crackdown on illegal call centres in Islamabad. Last month, the agency detained another 50 foreign nationals during an operation against such facilities.
The individuals were reportedly found hiding inside a plaza located in a private housing society in the federal capital. Following the operation, they were taken into custody and later transferred to jail as authorities continued investigating their alleged involvement in illegal call centre activities.
The latest arrests followed the detention of around 250 foreign nationals in earlier operations. Those individuals were shifted to Adiala and Attock jails while investigations into the suspected network continued.
Authorities have also started the process of deporting the foreign nationals from Pakistan. The first group, consisting of 50 Vietnamese citizens, has already been deported to Vietnam.
Illegal call centres have increasingly come under scrutiny because of allegations involving online fraud, financial scams, identity theft and the misuse of digital communication systems. Law enforcement agencies are now examining whether such operations are connected to wider financial networks.
The FIA’s new JIT will investigate the alleged Rs172 billion transactions and determine whether the money was generated through fraud, how it was transferred and who benefited from it. The inquiry may also reveal whether the suspected network operated independently or had support from other individuals or organisations.
Further action will depend on the findings of the investigation. Authorities are expected to take legal steps against those found responsible after the evidence has been reviewed.
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