FIA arrests most wanted human smuggler in Gujranwala

WEB DESK: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested a most-wanted human smuggler during a major operation in Gujranwala, officials said on Tuesday.

According to the FIA, the suspect, Natan Javed, was listed in the Ministry of Interior’s Red Book of most-wanted offenders and was being sought in a fraud case involving Rs34 million. Authorities said multiple cases of human smuggling had been registered against him at the FIA Circle Gujranwala.

Investigators allege that the accused defrauded several citizens of millions of rupees by promising to send them to Canada, Italy, Germany, and other European countries. Instead, he allegedly pocketed the money and failed to arrange overseas travel.

FIA officials said Natan Javed had been absconding to evade arrest. Following his capture, formal investigations have been launched to trace accomplices and recover the defrauded amounts.

Confirming the arrest, FIA Director Muhammad bin Ashraf said the agency remains committed to cracking down on human smuggling networks and bringing those involved to justice.

Interpol issues red warrants for 30 human smugglers

On December 15, the Interpol issued red warrants for 30 human smugglers operating from Pakistan, following a request by the FIA, as authorities intensify efforts to dismantle transnational human trafficking networks.

According to officials, the suspects were running smuggling operations across Dubai, Libya, Egypt, and Qatar, facilitating illegal migration routes that have endangered thousands of lives. Many of those named were already listed in the FIA’s Red Book, which contains profiles of the country’s most-wanted criminals. The issuance of red warrants by Interpol allows member states to locate and provisionally arrest the suspects pending extradition.

To bolster international coordination, the FIA has established liaison offices in Muscat, Tehran, and Athens, aimed at working closely with foreign law enforcement agencies to track and apprehend smugglers involved in cross-border trafficking.

The move comes alongside a sweeping internal accountability drive within the FIA. Earlier this month, several senior officers were dismissed, demoted, or suspended over negligence and alleged links to smuggling networks, particularly in connection with the Greece boat tragedy, in which hundreds of Pakistanis lost their lives. Officials said the crackdown reflects Pakistan’s broader commitment to combating organised human smuggling and preventing future tragedies.