FIA returns Rs7m to woman in Faisalabad visa fraud case
By Bilal Haider :
Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency has recovered Rs7 million from suspects accused of a visa fraud scheme in Faisalabad, returning the money to a woman who had been promised overseas employment in the United Kingdom.
Officials said the action was carried out by the agency’s Composite Circle in Faisalabad following an inquiry launched on the complaint of Gulshan Ara, a resident of Gojra. She alleged that a group led by a suspect identified as Sumaira Bano, also known as Somi, had taken millions of rupees from her under the pretext of arranging a UK work permit.
According to investigators, the accused failed to deliver on their promise and instead misappropriated the funds, a pattern commonly associated with fraudulent overseas employment schemes. Acting on directives from senior officials in the FIA’s Faisalabad zone, the inquiry officer pursued the case and secured the recovery of the full amount, which has now been handed back to the complainant.
Authorities described the recovery as a significant step in providing relief to victims of such scams, which have become increasingly prevalent as more Pakistanis seek employment opportunities abroad. The FIA said it is continuing legal proceedings against those involved and reiterated its broader campaign against human smuggling and visa fraud networks.
The agency has urged the public to exercise caution when seeking work overseas, advising citizens to deal only with licensed and authorised recruitment agents. It also called on individuals to report suspicious offers promptly, warning that strict action would be taken against anyone exploiting vulnerable job seekers.
Officials say cases like this highlight the risks faced by people pursuing opportunities abroad, particularly when dealing with unverified agents, and stressed that stronger enforcement and public awareness remain key to tackling the problem.
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