The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has intensified its crackdown on illegal foreign exchange operations and hawala/hundi networks under the direct instructions of Director General Rafat Mukhtar Raja. Acting on information received from credible sources, FIA teams across the country are conducting full-scale operations aimed at dismantling these illicit financial systems and enforcing the financial laws of Pakistan.
Since the beginning of the year, FIA has carried out 256 raids resulting in the arrest of 282 individuals involved in illegal currency dealings. These operations have led to the registration of 213 cases and the recovery of Rs 762.27 million in illegal funds. In addition to arrests and recoveries, several business establishments and shops operating without proper authorization have been sealed during the nationwide raids.
To enhance the effectiveness of the operations, the FIA has secured the assistance of other law enforcement agencies to apprehend suspects who are evading arrest. DG FIA Rafat Mukhtar Raja stated that all available resources are being utilized to ensure that those responsible for hawala and hundi transactions are brought to justice. He emphasized that strict punishment will be imposed on those found guilty of smuggling foreign currency, provided that there is solid evidence against them.
The FIA chief also announced plans to expand the crackdown beyond domestic networks, targeting international agents involved in the buying and selling of illegal currency. He reiterated the agency’s commitment to maintaining a zero-tolerance policy against those engaged in such financial crimes, affirming that all actions will be taken strictly in accordance with the law.
