FIA nabs human smuggler involed in 2023 Libya boat tragedy

FIA apprehends Zubair Mehr, internationally wanted human smuggler listed in Red Book, from Gujrat district

By Sher Ali Khalti
February 13, 2025
Migrants sit onboard a fishing boat at the port of Paleochora, following a rescue operation off the island of Crete, Greece. — Reuters/File
Migrants sit onboard a fishing boat at the port of Paleochora, following a rescue operation off the island of Crete, Greece. — Reuters/File

LAHORE: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has intensified its crackdown on human smuggling networks.

In a breakthrough, the FIA’s Gujranwala Zone has apprehended Zubair Mehr, an internationally wanted human smuggler listed in the Red Book, from the Gujrat district.

Zubair Mehr is accused of orchestrating the tragic Libya boat incident of 2023. He had eight cases registered against him at the Composite Circle, Gujrat, during the same year. Mehr’s name appeared among the most wanted human traffickers in the FIA’s Red Book, and he is alleged to be a key figure in an international human smuggling syndicate.

Investigations reveal that Mehr charged each of his eight victims Rs2.4 million, extorting a total of Rs19.2 million under the false promise of providing safe passage to Europe. The victims were first transported to Libya, where they were confined in safe houses and subjected to severe physical abuse.

Subsequently, Mehr and his accomplices attempted to send the victims to Europe via a boat, which tragically capsized en route. All eight victims lost their lives in the incident.

Over the past few months, multiple raids were conducted to apprehend Mehr. Following his arrest, he has been placed in custody, and a detailed investigation has begun. Efforts are also underway to locate and arrest his accomplices. The director of FIA Gujranwala Zone, Abdul Qadir Qamar, confirmed the continuation of the agency’s crackdown on human smuggling networks.

“We are utilising all available resources to arrest the culprits responsible for such tragedies,” Qamar said.

He said the importance of intelligence-based operations in combating human smuggling. “No one will be allowed to play with innocent lives. Those responsible will be brought to justice and given exemplary punishments based on solid evidence,” he added.

Speaking to The News, the FIA spokesperson reiterated the agency’s unwavering commitment to eradicating human smuggling and ensuring the safety of citizens.