The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has established a specialised Dark Web Investigation Unit to identify, investigate, and prosecute criminals operating through anonymous online platforms, as part of efforts to strengthen Pakistan’s cybercrime enforcement capabilities.
The new unit has been set up at the National Command and Control Centre (NC3) at FIA headquarters and will use advanced technologies to uncover the identities of cybercriminals, trace cryptocurrency transactions, and support law enforcement operations.
FIA Director General Dr Usman Anwar said the unit will primarily target criminal networks involved in the production of fake documents, human trafficking, illegal migrant smuggling, and other offences falling under the FIA’s jurisdiction.
Working alongside the agency’s cryptocurrency investigation unit, the new facility will employ blockchain forensic tools and open-source intelligence (OSINT) techniques to connect anonymous cryptocurrency wallets and online identities with real-world individuals.
According to the FIA chief, investigators will analyse aliases, usernames, and pseudonyms used across dark web marketplaces, forums, and hidden websites to build detailed profiles of suspected criminals and gather documentary evidence for prosecution.
Officials said the initiative is aimed at addressing the growing use of encrypted online platforms by organised criminal groups. The dark web is often used for illegal activities, including the sale of forged documents, stolen data, hacking tools, drugs, weapons, and other illicit services while concealing users’ identities.
NC3 Director Dr Athar Waheed explained that the internet consists of three layers: the surface web, the deep web, and the dark web. While the surface web includes publicly accessible websites and the deep web contains private but legitimate online resources such as banking portals and databases, the dark web is intentionally hidden and can only be accessed using specialised anonymity software such as Tor (The Onion Router).
The FIA said the new unit is expected to enhance Pakistan’s ability to investigate sophisticated cybercrimes, strengthen digital forensic capabilities, and improve cooperation in tackling cross-border criminal networks operating online.
