FIA arrests 21 ‘fraudsters’ targeting BISP beneficiaries

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has dismantled a major corruption network targeting Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), arresting 21 suspects on charges of fund embezzlement and bribery, the agency’s headquarters confirmed.

Among the detained individuals are three serving BISP officials.

The arrests were made following a targeted raid on the BISP Center at Nagori Hall, Mirpurkhas.

The apprehended group includes 18 alleged sub-agents and three BISP employees. Preliminary investigations disclose a systematic scheme of exploitation targeting the most vulnerable BISP recipients. The arrested individuals, who were operating as unauthorized sub-agents, were allegedly using electronic devices registered under the names of original owners to process payments. The syndicate was illegally deducting a significant portion from the aid meant for the recipients, specifically PKR1,500 to PKR2,000 per beneficiary. These illegally deducted amounts were then distributed as bribes among BISP officials and franchise owners involved in the network.

Recipients who resisted the deductions or failed to comply faced severe consequences, including the blocking of their beneficiary IDs.

During the raid, the FIA recovered substantial evidence, including PKR 2,530,000 in cash. Additionally, the authorities seized nine electronic devices, two silicone thumb impression moulds, a glue gun machine, and glue bars, indicative of the tools used to facilitate fraudulent transactions.

A formal case has been registered against the suspects under relevant sections of the law. According to the FIA spokesperson, further investigations are actively underway. The agency expects more arrests based on the leads and information provided by the detained suspects, signaling a potential expansion of the probe into other related corruption within the BISP framework.