‘Human trafficker’ linked to Libya boat tragedy arrested

KOHAT: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Kohat Region has arrested a notorious human trafficker involved in the 2025 Libya boat tragedy that claimed the life of a Pakistani citizen.

Deputy Director FIA Kohat Region Amjad Khan said that Riaz Hussain, a resident of Kurram district, was taken into custody after his pre-arrest bail was cancelled by the special immigration court (Central).

Investigations revealed that the accused defrauded a local citizen of Rs 3.6 million under the pretense of arranging overseas employment in Europe. However, instead of sending the victim to Europe, the suspect allegedly trafficked him to Libya.Once in Libya, the suspect and his accomplices attempted to smuggle the victim illegally to Europe via a boat. Tragically, the boat met with an accident during the journey, resulting in the death of the victim.

Prior to the arrest, FIA Kohat’s Composite Circle had already frozen five bank accounts linked to the accused, seizing a total of Rs6 million suspected to be proceeds from illegal activities.“The suspect is currently in FIA custody, and further investigation is underway,” said an official, adding the authorities have also launched raids to apprehend other accomplices involved in the trafficking network.