Greek Boat Tragedy Exposes Major Human Trafficking Ring Involving FIA Officers
ISLAMABAD – The Greek Boat Tragedy has brought to light a massive human trafficking operation, implicating over sixty officers of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). The tragic incident, which occurred on June 14, 2023, off the coast of southern Greece, claimed the lives of over 250 people, including 155 Pakistanis who had boarded from Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport.
A report presented to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has revealed that the boat capsizing was just one incident within a series of three separate boat accidents, where thousands of Pakistanis were illegally sent to Greece through human trafficking networks. The investigation uncovered that 61 FIA officers facilitated illegal migration operations, sending more than 4,000 Pakistanis to Greece, many of whom tragically lost their lives.
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Key Findings:
- FIA Officers Implicated: A large-scale human trafficking network involving FIA officials has been revealed. The investigation has found that 38 officers are facing dismissal, with 21 already undergoing disciplinary action. Many of these officers are suspected of facilitating illegal migration by allowing individuals to travel via Libya, a war-torn country.
- Investigations and Recommendations: The final report highlighted the failure of supervisory officers to recognize suspicious travel patterns. Officials responsible for overseeing immigration departures did not raise red flags about the frequent trips to Libya, where there was a high risk of exploitation.
- Disciplinary Actions: As per the inquiry’s recommendations, strict action, including dismissals under the Civil Servants Efficiency & Discipline (E&D) Rules, 2020, has been suggested. Show-cause notices have been issued to the implicated officials, with a 10-day deadline to respond, after which formal disciplinary proceedings will commence.
This tragedy has shaken the nation, highlighting the deep-rooted corruption and human trafficking rings that operate within Pakistan’s immigration system. The government has vowed to take firm action against the corrupt officials involved in this shameful operation.
