ISLAMABAD: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested a Chinese national and two officials for their alleged involvement in a network facilitating immigration clearance and movement of foreign nationals in Pakistan in exchange for bribes.
The FIA Anti-Corruption Cell registered a case after information allegedly provided by foreign nationals pointed to a nexus involving officials of the Immigration and Passports Department (IMPASS), Islamabad Police’s Special Protection Unit (SPU) and other individuals.
According to the FIR, Chinese national Xiao Jingping, also known as Jack or Jason, allegedly told investigators that IMPASS official Junaid Mughal, in coordination with SPU constable Zafar Iqbal and others, arranged immigration clearance for foreign nationals in return for Rs80,000 per passenger.
The suspect also allegedly disclosed that some foreign nationals were making regular monthly payments to officials as protection money.
Acting on the information, an FIA Islamabad team raided Junaid Mughal’s residence in Ghouri Town. Investigators said an examination of his mobile phone uncovered WhatsApp chats and other communications allegedly linking him with Xiao Jingping, Zafar Iqbal and other members of the suspected network.
During interrogation, Mughal allegedly admitted receiving money from Xiao Jingping in F-8, Islamabad, in connection with the release of detained foreign nationals from SUPARCO Towers in Gulberg and previous immigration-related facilitation.
Rs20m cash recovered
According to the FIA, Mughal told investigators that the cash had not yet been distributed among his alleged associates and was stored in his vehicle.
Following his identification of the location, officials searched the vehicle’s trunk and recovered Rs20 million from a black suitcase. The cash was seized in the presence of witnesses, the agency said.
The FIA said the cash recovery, combined with mobile phone data and other communications, provided further evidence of the alleged network’s activities.
Investigators later travelled to Sector H-11 and arrested Zafar Iqbal on Mughal’s identification.
The FIA said Iqbal allegedly acknowledged his association with the network. His mobile phone was also examined, with investigators reportedly finding communications concerning foreign nationals, passports, passenger information, visas, immigration clearance and travel within Pakistan.
Further investigation underway
The FIA has booked Xiao Jingping, Junaid Mughal and Zafar Iqbal under relevant provisions of the Pakistan Penal Code and Section 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947.
The agency said the investigation would also determine the possible involvement of other officials from the SPU, Immigration and Passports Department, National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) and private individuals.
The FIA said further arrests and legal action would be taken if evidence establishes the involvement of additional members of the alleged network.
