In a significant crackdown, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) of Pakistan has intensified its efforts against hawala transactions, illegal currency exchange, and smuggling. Under the leadership of Director General (DG) FIA Mohsin Hassan Butt, a high-level meeting was held at the FIA headquarters, attended by Additional DGs, Zonal Directors, and other senior officers.
According to the official statement released after the meeting, a briefing was given on the ongoing nationwide crackdown against hawala transactions, illegal currency exchange, and smuggling. The FIA revealed that they have taken legal actions in 390 cases involving individuals engaged in hawala transactions and illegal currency exchange. A total of 382 cases have been registered, leading to the arrest of 557 suspects.
During the briefing, it was disclosed that the arrested suspects were involved in illegal currency exchange without licenses. Raids conducted resulted in the seizure of over PKR 3.86 billion (approximately USD 23 million) in both local and foreign currencies.
The confiscated currency included more than 650,000 US dollars and over PKR 309 million in various other foreign currencies. DG FIA emphasized that these operations were not limited to local currencies but also involved transactions in international currencies.
The FIA’s operations targeted more than 28 plazas, markets, and shops during the crackdown. The DG FIA instructed that actions against individuals involved in hawala transactions should be accelerated, and ongoing investigations should be expedited. He stressed the need for swift completion of the ongoing inquiry processes.
Furthermore, DG FIA directed the agency to take strict actions against international agents involved in illegal currency trading. He emphasized the utilization of all available resources and means to apprehend the suspects involved in these illegal activities.
The crackdown signifies a robust initiative by the FIA to curb financial crimes, ensuring that those engaged in hawala transactions, illegal currency exchange, and smuggling are brought to justice. These efforts demonstrate the government’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of financial transactions and curbing illegal practices within the country.
