International Human Trafficking Network Arrested in Lahore
The group was highly skilled in producing counterfeit documents and maintained a printing press: Report
Lahore, September 9, 2024: In a major crackdown on human trafficking, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Lahore Circle has apprehended an international network involved in human smuggling. The network, which specialized in the creation of fake documents and operated its own printing press, was caught red-handed through a coordinated operation with intelligence agencies under the direction of Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.
According to the Interior Ministry spokesperson, the network was engaged in deceiving unsuspecting individuals by promising them employment opportunities abroad, only to exploit them. The group was highly skilled in producing counterfeit documents and maintained a printing press where fake documents for various countries were produced.
- Network’s Activities: Human trafficking through false promises of overseas employment and production of fake documents.
- Arrested Individuals: Includes both Indian and Afghan nationals.
- International Connections: The network was found to have ties with international criminal syndicates.
- Additional Findings: During the investigation, a scheme to tarnish Pakistan’s reputation was also uncovered.
The FIA’s operation also revealed that individuals seeking political asylum in different countries had been receiving assistance from this network. The network’s connections with international criminal groups further underline the extensive reach and complexity of their operations.
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s Statement: Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi commended the FIA Lahore Circle and intelligence agencies for their successful operation, describing it as a significant milestone in Pakistan’s fight against human trafficking. He praised the agencies for their effective coordination and swift action, which led to the apprehension of the traffickers. Naqvi assured that the government would continue to conduct operations of this nature to eradicate human trafficking and deal decisively with the mafias involved.
Further arrests are anticipated as the investigation progresses. The government remains committed to taking stringent legal action against those involved and ensuring that such criminal activities are eradicated.
Ongoing Efforts: The operation signifies a strong commitment by Pakistani authorities to combat human trafficking. The Interior Minister emphasized that more operations will be carried out in this manner to curb human trafficking and maintain stringent measures against the involved mafias.
