Lahore: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Gujranwala Circle has arrested a key suspect involved in human trafficking, highlighting a continuing crackdown on trafficking networks in the region.
A senior FIA official disclosed that Muhammad Ansar, a resident of Towerwala Gala near Ferozewala Bridge in Gujranwala, and his accomplices were involved in sending a local resident, Amir Ali, to Mauritania and subsequently to Morocco. The smugglers extorted Rs5.3 million from Ali, who fortunately survived the Moroccan boat tragedy.
The FIA has so far registered at least five cases related to the tragedy, which claimed multiple lives. Two suspects, including a woman, have been arrested in connection with these cases. Abdul Qadir Qamar, director of the FIA’s Gujranwala Zone, stated that efforts to dismantle human trafficking networks are in full swing across the region.
In a related operation, the Faisalabad FIA apprehended three individuals—Asif, Afzaal, and Husnain—allegedly involved in human trafficking. The trio had collected Rs8.9 million to smuggle two individuals to Italy through illegal channels. According to officials, the suspects had ties with international smugglers who facilitated illegal migration by boat from Libya.
The FIA has intensified its operations to combat human trafficking and ensure the safety of citizens vulnerable to exploitation by smuggling networks. Further investigations are underway.
