The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested a human trafficker accused of sending dozens of Pakistanis abroad by posing them as members of fake football teams. The suspect, identified as Waqas Ali, was taken into custody at Sialkot International Airport during a targeted operation by the FIA Composite Circle Gujranwala.
Fake Football Teams Exposed
According to investigators, Waqas Ali orchestrated two separate operations that exploited the passion for sports to facilitate human trafficking. In January 2024, he arranged fraudulent travel documents for 17 individuals, presenting them as a registered football squad. To complete the deception, forged documents from the Pakistan Football Federation and a counterfeit No Objection Certificate (NOC) allegedly issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were used.
Authorities confirmed that each traveler paid between Rs4 million and Rs4.5 million to secure the fraudulent opportunity. All 17 individuals managed to leave Pakistan on January 1, 2024, using the fabricated paperwork.
This year, the trafficker allegedly repeated the scheme with another 22 men. Once again, forged federation letters and falsified documents were used to portray the group as an official football team bound for Japan.
Evidence Seized by FIA
During the operation, FIA officials recovered counterfeit documents, forged letterheads, and other incriminating material directly linked to the trafficking racket. Investigators believe the suspect is part of a larger network involved in smuggling individuals abroad through deceptive means.
The FIA spokesperson confirmed that multiple cases had already been registered against Waqas Ali in Gujranwala. Further inquiries are underway to uncover his accomplices and dismantle the broader operation.
Financial and Social Impact
The racket highlights how traffickers exploit vulnerable individuals by promising international opportunities under the guise of sports and culture. The high fees charged by agents leave families financially devastated, while victims risk arrest, deportation, or exploitation abroad.
Pakistan’s image is also tarnished internationally, as such fraudulent schemes undermine the credibility of its institutions. Sports federations, in particular, face scrutiny whenever traffickers exploit their platforms to enable illegal migration.
FIA’s Commitment Against Human Trafficking
The FIA has reiterated its commitment to fighting human smuggling networks operating within and beyond Pakistan. Authorities stressed that coordinated actions will continue, with a focus on prosecuting agents, tracing illegal financial transactions, and protecting citizens from falling prey to false promises.
Officials urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities. They highlighted that genuine opportunities abroad must always be verified through official channels to avoid exploitation.
The arrest of Waqas Ali marks a significant step in Pakistan’s broader fight against human trafficking. The exposure of two fake football teams being sent to Japan underscores the lengths traffickers will go to deceive victims. With ongoing investigations, authorities hope to dismantle the network entirely and prevent future exploitation of aspiring youth.
