ISLAMABAD: The Federal Investigation Agency has widened its investigation into a visa fraud case involving private individuals who impersonated Federal Board of Revenue officers at Islamabad International Airport while travelling to France.
According to sources, the FIA has issued notices to a deputy collector of customs and a customs constable, summoning them on Tuesday for questioning.
Moreover, investigators have sought complete details of other customs officers and staff accused of extending protocol to the suspects. Officials are now examining how many individuals received such protocol over the past year at the instructions of a purported FBR officer. Sources said customs personnel at the airport facilitated these arrangements on directives from senior authorities and, in return, received benefits such as continued postings.
Meanwhile, FIA officials confirmed that Atiq ur Rehman, named in the first information report, secured interim bail on Monday. In addition, a local court remanded the arrested private individuals to judicial custody as the investigation progressed.
Evidence points to an organised network
Earlier, FIA officials intercepted two passengers travelling to Paris and questioned them regarding their visit. Subsequently, analysis of their mobile phones revealed WhatsApp contact with a tax official falsely posing as an FBR coordinator and second secretary. Investigators said the suspect misused the authority’s name and position to arrange French visas.
Furthermore, the FIA recovered bank records and documents showing payments worth millions of rupees. The FIR stated that the frequency and volume of transactions suggested an organised visa facilitation racket aimed at illegal migration and potential asylum in Europe.
Investigators alleged the accused used an official-style email address to present the passengers as part of an FBR delegation. During interrogation, the suspects admitted they were not FBR employees and worked as a driver and a property dealer. The FIA seized passports, mobile phones, laptops, travel documents, and currency while seeking verification from the FBR regarding email misuse.
