The Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) immigration authorities at the Karachi airport have arrested three suspects allegedly linked to a foreign-based online fraud network operating through recruiters in Pakistan, officials said on Thursday.
According to FIA officials, the suspects have been identified as Naseeb Rehman, Muzammil and Sami. The arrests were made following an operation launched after suspicious activity was detected during the immigration clearance process. They added that Naseeb Rehman was intercepted upon his arrival in Pakistan from Cambodia after immigration officials noticed suspicious circumstances surrounding his travel. During questioning, investigators uncovered information pointing to the existence of an organised international online fraud network allegedly operating across borders.
Initial investigations revealed that a facilitator based abroad had been recruiting individuals for illegal online fraud activities through recruiters operating in Pakistan. Acting on information provided during the inquiry, FIA officials immediately conducted a follow-up operation and arrested two alleged facilitators, Muzammil and Sami, who were present outside the airport’s arrival terminal. During the arrests, FIA officials recovered several mobile phones from the suspects.
A preliminary examination of the devices allegedly revealed chat records related to online fraud, digital evidence and details of financial transactions received from multiple unidentified sources. The recovered material is expected to play a key role in tracing the activities and financial links of the suspected network.
The FIA spokesperson stated that investigators discovered the suspects had allegedly established a company named EYMWT SOLUTIONS in Techno City to serve as a front for their illegal operations. According to investigators, the company was being used to conceal unlawful financial activities and facilitate an online fraud network while presenting itself as a legitimate business.
All digital devices and electronic evidence recovered during the operation have been seized and preserved for forensic analysis. Officials said the forensic examination will help determine the full scope of the alleged fraud network, identify additional suspects and establish links with overseas operators.
The three suspects have been shifted to the FIA Anti-Human Trafficking Circle (AHTC), where a formal case is being registered and further legal proceedings are under way. The FIA said investigations are continuing to identify and arrest other individuals believed to be associated with the network. Authorities are also examining the financial trail and international connections of the suspects to determine the extent of the alleged operation. The FIA reiterated its commitment to taking strict action against cyber-enabled financial crimes and transnational fraud networks, warning that operations against such criminal groups will continue across the country.
