The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has established a dedicated cryptocurrency investigation unit to curb the misuse of digital assets in Pakistan. The new unit will operate from the agency’s National Command and Control Centre (NC3) and focus on investigating crimes involving virtual currencies.
The initiative aims to strengthen efforts against money laundering, terrorism financing and other financial crimes linked to cryptocurrencies. At the same time, the move reflects Pakistan’s growing focus on improving oversight of the country’s evolving digital asset sector.
Officials also said the FIA is introducing several institutional reforms to modernise investigations and improve coordination among law enforcement agencies.
New Unit to Investigate Cryptocurrency-Linked Crimes
According to FIA Counter-Terrorism Wing Director Dr Muhammad Athar Waheed, the recently established Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA) remains the country’s primary regulator for digital assets.
However, the FIA’s new cryptocurrency investigation unit will specifically investigate the criminal use of virtual assets.
Dr Waheed also suggested that the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) and the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) should establish similar specialised units. According to him, such units would help combat cryptocurrency-related cybercrime and illegal drug trade more effectively.
He further revealed that new rules are being prepared to ensure investigations are completed within a fixed timeframe.
Speaking about the agency’s reforms, Dr Waheed said, “With the introduction of several reform initiatives, the FIA has already demonstrated significant improvement in its performance, and we expect a number of additional key projects to be completed over the next six months.”
He also acknowledged the role of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi in supporting the FIA’s modernisation efforts by providing resources for institutional upgrades.
NC3 Brings Multiple FIA Operations Under One Platform
The newly operational National Command and Control Centre serves as a central hub for monitoring, intelligence sharing and nationwide operational coordination.
According to officials, the facility integrates several important operational units under one command structure. Consequently, information sharing and decision-making are expected to become faster and more efficient.
The Immigration Monitoring Unit and Integrated Border Management System (IBMS) provide real-time monitoring of passenger movement at all entry and exit points. In addition, the system supports biometric verification and security screening.
Meanwhile, the Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Desk coordinates intelligence-based operations against organised smuggling networks.
The Risk Analysis Unit also monitors suspicious travel patterns, identifies high-risk individuals and tracks emerging security threats.
Dedicated Financial Crime and International Cooperation Units
The NC3 also houses specialised Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and cryptocurrency investigation units to strengthen financial crime investigations.
Furthermore, the Interpol Desk serves as Pakistan’s national coordination point for international law enforcement cooperation. This setup is expected to improve communication with global agencies during cross-border investigations.
Officials added that the centre includes a Case Management System (CMS), allowing real-time monitoring of investigations and operational performance across FIA offices nationwide.
Public Services and Cyber Intelligence Receive Major Upgrade
The National Command and Control Centre has also introduced several public service improvements.
These include:
- A 24/7 helpline
- Complaint Management Unit
- Overseas Complaints Cell
These services aim to provide quicker assistance to both local citizens and overseas Pakistanis.
In addition, officials said the centre now includes Open Source Intelligence (OSINT), cyber patrolling, cellular detection and dark web investigation units.
An official explained, “Its intelligence capabilities are further reinforced by open source intelligence (OSINT), cellular detection, cyber patrolling and dark web investigation units, which support intelligence gathering, lawful technical analysis and the detection of cyber-enabled and transnational crimes.”
A centralised Daily Situation Report (DSR) and an operational support desk also provide senior leadership with real-time updates on nationwide activities.
FIA Strengthens Operational Capacity
To improve field operations, the FIA has formed Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) teams that will assist investigators during high-risk raids.
Additionally, the agency has expanded its vehicle fleet to improve mobility during operations.
Officials also confirmed that international coordination is being strengthened through the creation of a new International Coordination Director position.
Meanwhile, recruitment of approximately 1,300 officials is currently underway. More hiring is expected in the future as the agency expands its operational capacity.
For employee welfare, the FIA has also adopted welfare rules similar to those followed by the Punjab Police.
Human Trafficking Crackdown Continues
Officials revealed that the FIA has intensified action against human trafficking networks over the past two years.
According to the agency, more than 300 FIRs have been registered during this period, while 258 alleged human traffickers have been arrested.
An official stated, “We have busted many gangs involved in human trafficking; as a result, the incidents of boat tragedies are witnessing a decline.”
Authorities believe continued intelligence-based operations will further strengthen Pakistan’s efforts against organised crime while improving border security and financial crime investigations.
