FIA Exposes Tech-Driven Crypto Laundering: Armaghan’s Fraud Call Centre Uncovered

Karachi: In a significant development in the investigation of Mustafa Amir’s murder, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has lodged a money laundering case against the prime suspect, Armaghan Qureshi. Authorities claim that he masterminded an extensive financial fraud scheme, generating illicit revenues estimated between $300,000 and $400,000 per month.

The FIA’s Anti-Money Laundering Circle initiated the case based on government complaints, revealing that Armaghan laundered illicit earnings through digital currencies and multiple bank accounts registered under his employees’ names. Reports suggest that he used these funds to acquire luxury vehicles, of which three remain in his possession, while five have already been sold.

Investigations indicate that Armaghan had a background in call centers before launching his own fraudulent operation in 2018. His setup allegedly employed 25 individuals who engaged in financial scams targeting American citizens, extracting sensitive banking details and illicitly transferring funds. The FIA suspects links to a broader international money laundering syndicate, with financial trails leading to the United States.

Authorities further revealed that Armaghan and his father created an American business entity, which served as a mechanism for illegal hawala hundi financial transfers. Law enforcement conducts a forensic audit of all bank accounts alongside cryptocurrency transactions as well as physical property to identify more financial fraud suspects.

The disappearance of Mustafa Amir on January 6 initially led to a missing person’s report filed by his mother the following day. On January 25, the case took a dramatic turn when she received a ransom demand of Rs 20 million from an American phone number, prompting authorities to add kidnapping-for-ransom charges to the investigation.

The Anti-Violent Crime Cell (AVCC) performed a house search at Armaghan’s Defence residence after receiving intelligence reports on February 9. Armaghan attempted to escape arrest by firing at the pursuing officers, which resulted in injuries to DSP AVCC Ahsan Zulfiqar and a constable until police gained control of him.

During his initial interrogation at police headquarters, Armaghan admitted to killing Mustafa along with disposing of the body in Malir territory but subsequently denied any involvement in the crimes. The Citizens Police Liaison Committee (CPLC) and federal agencies supported subsequent investigations, which led to the capture of Armaghan’s associate named Shiraz. The latter admitted that Armaghan had tortured and murdered Mustafa on January 6 before transporting his body to Hub, Balochistan, where it was burned.

Police later recovered Mustafa’s incinerated vehicle in Hub. The remains, which were buried by a local welfare organization, were confirmed to be Mustafa’s through DNA analysis.

Mustafa’s mobile phone search continues along with investigations about a minor’s possible involvement and identification of the weapon used in the crime. A legal request was presented to the court in order to extract Mustafa’s remains from the ground for forensic examination.

Authorities of the FIA successfully placed an asset freeze on eight luxury vehicles that were bought using money obtained through cryptocurrency transactions. Authorities also uncovered his role in selling digital assets through various companies to further obscure illicit earnings.

Despite mounting evidence, Armaghan has denied any involvement in Mustafa’s murder, alleging coercion by law enforcement. His co-accused, Shiraz alias Shavez Bukhari, has also retracted previous confessions before a magistrate.

Official reports suggest that Armaghan operated a call center from a bungalow in Defence, where he employed 30 to 40 individuals and hired private security comprising 30 to 35 guards. Additionally, law enforcement discovered that he was illegally keeping three lion cubs at the premises.

Further investigations have shed light on Armaghan’s history of drug abuse and past legal troubles. In 2019, he was implicated in a drug smuggling case but managed to secure bail. Witness testimonies indicate that Mustafa was killed following a dispute with Armaghan on January 6. The crime was carried out inside the Defense bungalow, after which the body was transported to Hub and set on fire to eliminate evidence.

Authorities are actively working to uncover more details about Armaghan’s financial network and any potential associates involved in these illicit operations. As investigations unfold, law enforcement agencies remain committed to ensuring justice in both the murder case and the linked financial crimes.