ISLAMABAD: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Islamabad Zone arrested 190 illegal visa agents and recovered Rs615.55m during the last four months in crackdowns on human smuggling and fraud.

According to data shared by FIA Islamabad Zone, the action was carried out under the supervision of the director, FIA Islamabad Zone, by the anti-human trafficking circles (AHTCs) Islamabad and Rawalpindi. During the four months, the two circles collectively registered 1,543 FIRs.

The breakdown shows AHTC Islamabad performed better, arresting 120 visa agents, recovering Rs411.05m and registering 875 cases. AHTC Rawalpindi arrested 70 agents, recovered Rs204.5m andregistered 668 cases. In total, the zone recovered over Rs615m, arrested 190 suspects and registered 1,543 cases.

The FIA said it was continuing steps to protect citizens from fraud in the name of overseas employment and travel, take legal action against illegalvisa agents and prevent human smuggling.

It advised citizens to verify agents before making any deal for overseas employment or travel and to immediately report any fraud or illegal activity to the authorities.

The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Rawalpindi Circle on Friday claimed to have busted a cyber fraud network involved in fleecing foreign nationals.

The spokesperson for the NCCIA said the agency raided a private housing society and arrested threesuspects, including a woman, involved in cyber financial fraud.

The suspects used to pose as bank representatives and officials of foreign law enforcement agencies to intimidate citizens, the spokesperson said.

They used to extort money from victims through fear and deception, he added.

Mobile phones were seized during the operation, and raids were underway to arrest other accomplices.

A case has been registered against the suspects under relevant provisions of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) and Pakistan Penal Code, and further investigation is underway.

Director General NCCIA Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi said indiscriminate action against international cyber fraud networks tarnishing the country`s image would continue.