The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has launched a major crackdown against foreign nationals allegedly involved in online fraud, with 284 Vietnamese and Indonesian nationals ordered to leave Pakistan within 15 days.
The action was taken on the special directions of FIA Director General Usman Anwar, who formed special teams to investigate the alleged involvement of the foreigners in online scams and other illegal activities.
According to the FIA, most of the suspects allegedly used fake identities of women on mobile applications and online platforms to contact Pakistani citizens. After gaining their trust, they allegedly lured victims into business and investment schemes by promising high returns before defrauding them of their money.
The agency said several Pakistani citizens suffered financial losses through the alleged organized fraud network. Investigators have also traced local facilitators and handlers suspected of assisting the foreign nationals.
The FIA is also investigating possible involvement or support from individuals linked to government departments. Officials said no person or institution would be held responsible without completing investigations and establishing evidence.
Following the operation, the FIA contacted the Ministry of Interior to cancel the suspects’ visas and obtain one-time exit permits for their deportation.
According to a Ministry of Interior letter issued on August 14, 2026, the orders were issued in connection with an FIA Anti-Human Trafficking Circle Islamabad case registered under FIR No. 581/2026.
The ministry has directed that the 284 foreign nationals leave Pakistan within 15 days after completing the required travel and legal formalities.
The FIA said most of those detained had entered Pakistan on tourist or visit visas. Their names, passport details, visa categories and nationalities have been recorded in the official documentation.
The Directorate General of Immigration and Passports has also been instructed to place the individuals on the Blacklist and Foreigners Control List after their departure, preventing them from obtaining Pakistani visas in the future.
DG FIA Usman Anwar said investigations against the alleged online fraud network, including local facilitators and handlers, will continue.
He added that anyone found to have assisted the alleged criminal activities will face legal action regardless of their position or status.
