By Wasif Ali Khan
ISLAMABAD: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Gujranwala Zone has successfully carried out major operations against human smugglers involved in illegally sending citizens to Europe via sea routes. Among those arrested is a highly wanted suspect listed in the Red Book.
The arrested individuals, identified as Muhammad Imran, Muhammad Tanveer, and Ghulam Ghaus, were taken into custody from different areas of Gujranwala and Gujrat. Muhammad Imran had extorted a significant sum from citizens, promising them illegal passage to Spain via Mauritania.
However, when the victims refused to undertake the risky boat journey, they returned to Pakistan.Muhammad Tanveer had been an absconder since 2019 and was one of the most wanted human traffickers in the Red Book. Multiple cases were registered against him for defrauding people by promising illegal entry into Europe through Turkey. Another accused, Ghulam Ghaus, had taken a large amount of money from a citizen under the pretense of sending him to Greece illegally.
According to the FIA spokesperson, the arrested individuals failed in their smuggling attempts and went into hiding but have now been taken into custody. Investigations are underway, and further operations against human trafficking networks have been intensified.
FIA Gujranwala Zone’s Director, Abdul Qadir Qamar, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to eradicating human trafficking and ensuring strict action against those responsible. He emphasized that traffickers risking innocent lives in dangerous sea crossings would face severe consequences.
The FIA continues to enforce its zero-tolerance policy, with efforts focused on dismantling human smuggling networks at both national and international levels.
