The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has set up a dedicated dark web investigation unit tasked with identifying, tracking and prosecuting criminals who operate through encrypted platforms and anonymous online networks.
Based at the National Command and Control Centre at FIA headquarters, the new unit will use advanced technology to unmask concealed online identities and trace suspicious cryptocurrency transactions, strengthening investigations into cyber-enabled crime, human trafficking, illegal migration and other organised criminal activity targeting Pakistan.
Officials said the specialised team will deploy modern forensic tools to expose criminal networks hiding behind encrypted platforms and anonymous communication technologies, with a primary focus on groups producing fraudulent documents used to facilitate human trafficking, migrant smuggling and related offences under the agency’s jurisdiction.
Detailed digital profiling of suspects, they added, will underpin evidence-based investigations and reinforce enforcement action against organised criminal groups operating in concealed online spaces.
Explaining the structure of the internet, the FIA said it is divided into three layers: the surface web, deep web and dark web, each distinguished by its accessibility and intended use. The surface web comprises publicly searchable websites, while the deep web covers password-protected services such as banking portals, databases and institutional networks.
The dark web, by contrast, is intentionally hidden and accessible only through specialised software such as Tor, which routes traffic through volunteer-operated global networks to preserve users’ anonymity.
The agency warned that criminals exploit this anonymity for a range of illegal activities, including cybercrime, stolen data trading, drug and weapons trafficking, terrorism financing, piracy and cross-border hacking operations.
