LAHORE: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has dismantled an alleged inter-provincial smuggling and corruption network involving the theft of 400 kilograms of silver, arresting a former customs collector, two preventive officers and four alleged accomplices during coordinated raids carried out in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Islamabad.
The action followed a formal complaint by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), which triggered a departmental inquiry before the registration of FIR No 39/2026.
The FIA said the investigation centred on nine principal suspects, including senior customs officials and members of an alleged smuggling syndicate. Those arrested include former Customs Collector Dr Karam Elahi, Preventive Officers Arif Ali Jumani and Samiullah Achakzai, alleged smuggler Hassan, Nasir identified as the brother of alleged smuggling kingpin Muhammad Ismail, private driver Inayatullah and alleged facilitator Lala Jan.
The agency said Customs Inspectors Zaman Mazari and Yasir Arafat had absconded and were being pursued, while another alleged key suspect, Masood, also remained at large. Muhammad Ismail has also been named by investigators as one of the principal members of the alleged network.
Talking to Daily Jang, Director General FIA Dr Usman Anwar described the operation as a major breakthrough against organised corruption and smuggling, saying the agency would pursue the case to its logical conclusion. “No one is above the law. The FIA is committed to ensuring transparent, professional and impartial investigations irrespective of the status or position of those involved,” he said.
Dr Anwar said the operation reflected the agency’s growing capacity in digital forensics, financial investigations and intelligence led policing. “Our investigators successfully utilised technical evidence, financial analysis and modern surveillance tools to expose an organised criminal network that allegedly caused substantial losses to the national exchequer,” he added.
The FIA chief said investigations were continuing to recover the remaining stolen silver, identify all beneficiaries of the alleged racket and trace any proceeds generated through money laundering.
