KARACHI – The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Immigration wing has successfully intercepted an international human trafficking network at Jinnah International Airport, arresting six individuals involved in illegal migration.
The Operation
According to the FIA Karachi Zone spokesperson, the action was taken upon the arrival of passengers from Ethiopia. The suspects were flagged for suspicious activities after returning to Pakistan following a failed attempt to reach South Africa through illegal routes.
How the Network Operated
The investigation revealed a sophisticated trafficking route spanning multiple countries. The suspects initially traveled to African countries on valid visit visas. Facilitated by agents, they moved from Tanzania to Zambia and Zimbabwe via illegal border crossings, aiming for South Africa. The trafficking agents based in Gujrat, Sialkot, and other cities charged the victims millions of rupees and thousands of US dollars for these perilous journeys.
Arrest and Deportation
The ordeal for five of the travelers ended in Livingstone, Zambia, where they were apprehended by local police for illegal entry. After serving their sentences in a Zambian jail, they were deported back to Pakistan, where FIA officials took them into custody upon landing.
Further Exploitation
The spokesperson further noted that some agents had extorted additional large sums of money by promising the victims transit to Spain after reaching South Africa.
Current Status
All arrested individuals have been handed over to the Anti-Human Trafficking Cell (AHTC) Karachi for further interrogation and legal action. Investigations are ongoing to apprehend the primary agents operating the network across Punjab.
