Islamabad:The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has dismantled a major fuel theft syndicate operating an illegal secondary pipeline connected directly to the main line, arresting two suspects during a joint operation near Sihala.
The raid, conducted alongside officials near the Jump Stop area close to Sihala Bhaga, was executed following intelligence reports of an organised ring siphoning fuel from the pipeline at the Sihala depot. Authorities caught the suspects red-handed as they were actively stealing diesel from the main line.
According to preliminary investigative findings, the network had been operational for approximately five to six months. The group allegedly extracted an estimated 20,000 liters of diesel daily, transferring the stolen fuel into drums before distributing it across the black market. Initial assessments indicate that the continuous theft has inflicted losses surpassing Rs100 million on the national exchequer.
During the crackdown, law enforcement personnel recovered the concealed underground pipeline structure and seized two pickup trucks. The vehicles were outfitted with multiple tanks and drums filled with the illicitly acquired oil.
Following the operation, a formal First Information Report (FIR) was registered against the detained individuals under applicable statutory laws. Representatives for the FIA stated that the ongoing investigation will expand to identify all remaining members of the network, including any public officials who may have facilitated, protected, or supported the black-market operation.
