The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has transferred 284 foreign nationals arrested in call center raids to two jails. The detainees were arrested during raids at SPARCO Plaza in Gulberg Greens, Islamabad, and other locations. Vietnamese nationals were moved to Adiala Jail, while Chinese and other nationals were shifted to Attock Jail.
Sources said the move followed capacity issues at Adiala Jail. The detainees were previously held at SPARCO Plaza and under temporary FIA arrangements. A senior FIA officer said the transfers followed court orders, prison rules, and legal procedures. Investigators are examining cases linked to alleged online fraud and illegal call center activities.
The FIA is also investigating fake identities, suspicious financial transactions, and other digital offenses. Officials are examining the suspects’ possible links with networks operating inside and outside Pakistan. FIA Director General Usman Anwar said the initial probe points to an organized online fraud network. The suspects allegedly targeted victims in different countries through websites, apps, and social media.
Investigators believe the suspects used women’s photographs and fake names to approach potential victims. They allegedly built trust before asking victims to invest small amounts. Some victims were initially shown their money along with a small profit. This allegedly created confidence and encouraged them to invest larger amounts.
After victims invested more money, the suspects allegedly stopped communication or blocked their accounts. In some cases, victims were reportedly asked to pay more money before accessing their funds. The FIA is now tracing the network’s financial operations, online platforms, and foreign connections. Investigators are also looking for local handlers and people who may have helped the group.
Officials seized stamps, documents, uniforms, and identity-related material during the raids. Some recovered uniforms reportedly resembled those used by Chinese police. Investigators are examining whether these items helped suspects create a false sense of official authority. They are also checking their source and intended use.
The FIA is conducting forensic checks of mobile phones, laptops, computers, servers, and SIM cards. Email accounts, digital wallets, and other online records are also being examined. The investigation could reveal fake profiles, chat records, financial transfers, and foreign contacts. It may also show who controlled the suspected call centers and directed their operations.
Foreign Nationals Have Not Been Deported
The 284 foreign nationals have not yet been deported, according to sources. Some individuals have reportedly received exit permits, but several legal steps remain pending. Authorities are checking their identities, travel documents, and ongoing court proceedings. The relevant embassies are also involved in citizenship checks and repatriation arrangements.
The interior and foreign ministries are reviewing the visa records of the detainees. Preliminary information shows that they entered Pakistan under several visa categories. These include business, study, work, entry, visa prior to arrival, and prior authorization categories. Several Chinese nationals reportedly entered through the Visa Prior to Arrival facility.
Officials will review the visa files once the FIA provides complete details. The review will cover passports, supporting documents, and the officials involved in processing applications. Sources have also raised questions about security checks and visa processing. They allege that some applicants may have received visas without completing required procedures.
Investigators are checking whether documents were incomplete, unverified, or otherwise problematic. They will also determine whether any official helped applicants during the visa process. The investigation will include digital records from the visa e-file system. Officials will examine submission times, security checks, approvals, user IDs, and visa issuance records.
These records could show whether the required security period was completed. Investigators will also check who handled applications and who approved them. The FIA may compare visa records with evidence recovered from the detainees’ devices. This could help identify sponsors, local contacts and people who prepared the applications.
Inquiry Into Visa Process Under Consideration
Sources said a fact-finding committee may be formed to examine the visa process. The proposed inquiry would look into possible administrative weaknesses and irregularities. A related citizen application is already under consideration in the Establishment Division. Another application with the Interior Ministry also seeks an investigation into visa-related issues.
The proposed committee could review visa categories, security clearances and e-file approvals. It may also examine sponsors, companies, educational institutions and officials involved. Investigators may check whether applications contained false information or altered documents. They will also determine whether any visa was issued before the required security period ended.
The inquiry could also examine Visa Section Officer Hashir Mahmood’s reported six-month assignment in Jeddah. Officials would review how visa work was handled during his absence. The role of Interior Ministry staff members identified as Alia and Hamad may also come under review. Responses from Hashir Mahmood, Alia and Hamad were not immediately available.
Company Denies Illegal Activity
Sher Afzal Marwat, representing the company linked to the SPARCO Plaza call centre, has defended the business. He said six FIRs had been registered in connection with the case. Marwat claimed the company brought around 400 foreign nationals to Pakistan for legal work. He said the company spent more than $1.5 million on travel, accommodation and other expenses.
He also said the company paid around Rs20 million per month to rent the SPARCO Plaza facility. According to Marwat, the FIA operation caused major financial losses. Marwat argued that the call centre could have generated millions of dollars in foreign earnings. He maintained that it could also have created investment and employment opportunities.
His comments represent the company’s defence, while the allegations remain under investigation. The courts will ultimately determine the legal status of the cases. Investigators are also expected to examine the company’s financial records and sponsorship arrangements. They will trace payments for tickets, accommodation, salaries and the monthly rent.
The FIA is seeking to establish how many of the 400 foreigners worked at the facility. Officials will also determine which detainees were named in the six FIRs. The wider investigation will focus on the alleged fraud network and its local and foreign links. Authorities are also examining how the suspects entered Pakistan and who helped them operate locally.
The visa records, digital evidence, and government databases could provide key answers. Investigators hope the combined evidence will clarify who sponsored the foreigners and how the alleged network operated.
