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Tuesday October 15, 2024

FIA Islamabad’s ACC reclaims billions in 8-month crackdown

By Shakeel Anjum
September 11, 2024
The Federal Investigation Agency logo can be seen outside the FIA building in Islamabad. — FIA Website/File
The Federal Investigation Agency logo can be seen outside the FIA building in Islamabad. — FIA Website/File

Islamabad:The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Headquarters has released the 8-month performance report of its Anti-Corruption Circle (ACC) Islamabad, showcasing significant recoveries and actions against corruption, according to an FIA spokesperson.

Under directives from the Supreme Court, the ACC reclaimed 1,550 kanals of commercial and residential land from the Evacuee Trust Property Board, valued at over Rs9.71 billion. In the last eight months, ACC Islamabad registered 104 cases and completed investigations into 270 inquiries. The ACC successfully recovered over Rs160 million in various cases and reclaimed more than Rs69.9 million in outstanding electricity dues.

Fifteen cases were filed against individuals involved in the sale of prohibited and unregistered medicines, with raids leading to the seizure of machinery and counterfeit drugs worth millions. Additionally, 18 cases were lodged against fraudulent nursing institutes, while 10 cases targeted fake technical and vocational training institutes.

The ACC also arrested 18 individuals involved in the illegal processing of passports and national identity cards. Multiple operations were conducted against individuals involved in corruption within government institutions, based on credible evidence.

Meanwhile, FIA's Karachi Zone has reported key achievements in immigration services over the past eight months. At Karachi Airport, immigration procedures were completed for 2.79 million passengers across 16,700 flights. During this period, 83 individuals were arrested for using fake documents—55 for possessing fake visas and 28 for using fake passports.

Several wanted suspects were apprehended based on stop lists, while enhanced technology at the airport, including direct access to the Interpol database and a second-line office equipped with advanced forensic tools, improved operations.

Immigration officers have undergone specialized training to better detect fake travel documents, and a new visa system has been implemented. A QR code feedback system has also been introduced, allowing passengers to share real-time experiences.