The Anti-Corruption Circle Islamabad of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has registered a case against 22 people, including six Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) officials, for allegedly preparing and using fake apostille stickers.
The FIA Islamabad Zone said the Anti-Corruption Circle raided several consultancy and courier offices in the basement of F&F Plaza, Aabpara, acting on credible information. The raids uncovered a network allegedly involved in preparing, delivering and using fake apostille stickers, official seals and documents.
The case has been registered under Sections 420, 468, 471 and 109 of the Pakistan Penal Code, read with Section 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947. Sixteen private individuals and six MoFA officials, including those dealing with attestation and apostille matters, have been nominated.
The investigation found that owners and employees of several firms were allegedly part of the network. These include Sophie Consultants, Excellent Courier Service and Leopard Courier Services at F&F Plaza, as well as RAAK Consultancy, Noon Consultants (Pvt) Ltd, GM Consultants and Fair Line Service.
According to the FIA, the accused collected large sums from applicants on the pretext of expediting apostille and attestation services, and allegedly bribed MoFA officials. The agency said fake apostille stickers had been circulating at various locations across the country, potentially causing losses to the national exchequer.
A court has granted three-day physical remand of the arrested accused. Inspector Arsalan Masood Khan is conducting the investigation.
