Libya boat accident: FIA nabs two members of human smuggling gang

KOHAT: Two operatives of international gang involved in Libya boat accident 2025 have been arrested by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).

On the instructions of Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, a crackdown has been launched against elements involved in human trafficking. FIA Kohat Zone also conducted major operations in this regard, and during a raid in Pusht Bazar in Bajaur arrested two accused.

The arrested individuals are identified as Habib-ur-Rehman and Naveed Ahmed. Other associates of the accused, identified as Wajid Ali and Shah Faisal, are reportedly running a human trafficking gang from Italy.

The accused are involved in the boat accident that took place in Libya this month. 14 victims belonging to Kurram died in the said boat accident.

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During the investigation, the accused stole Rs 3.7 million to send a citizen named Shahzad Hussain to Europe. The accused, with the connivance of other associates, received huge amounts of money from several victims.

Four mobile phones were also recovered from the possession of the accused, which further revealed videos, photos, messages and bank transactions. Three bank accounts used by the accused were frozen.

It was also discovered that the victims were kept in safe houses in Libya and were subjected to torture. Later, the two accused, along with their other accomplices, tried to send the victims from Libya to Europe by boat, which met with an accident.

An investigation was launched into the discoveries, and held has been sought from Interpol to arrest the accomplices operating abroad.

FIA Kohat Zone Director said that a crackdown is underway against all the elements involved in boat accidents. The accused will be given final punishment in the light of solid evidence, he said.