FIA Busts Alleged Visa Bribe Network In Islamabad
The Federal Investigation Agency has uncovered an alleged illegal visa facilitation network in Islamabad, arresting a foreign national and two government-linked officials after an inquiry into suspected bribery, immigration clearance manipulation and protection of foreign nationals accused of violating visa conditions.
According to the report, the action was carried out by the FIA’s Anti-Corruption Unit in the Islamabad Zone after investigators received information from earlier suspects arrested by the agency’s Anti-Human Trafficking Cell. Officials said the network was allegedly operating around foreign nationals involved in call centres and digital centres in the federal capital.
The FIA arrested a Chinese national along with two officials associated with the Immigration and Passports Department and the Islamabad Police’s Special Protection Unit. Investigators also recovered Rs20 million in cash and seized documents believed to be connected to the alleged facilitation operation. A formal case has been registered against the suspects.
Officials familiar with the inquiry said the alleged network provided immigration clearance and helped foreign nationals move or continue their activities in exchange for payments. The investigation has also raised claims that some officials from the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency were receiving monthly payments to shield foreign nationals allegedly involved in unlawful work.
The case reportedly gained momentum after foreign nationals detained in Islamabad shared details during FIA questioning. Those disclosures allegedly pointed to an organised system involving immigration personnel, passport officials and police-linked security staff who were accused of helping foreign passengers and protecting their activities for financial benefit.
Investigators identified the arrested Chinese national as Xiao Jingping, also known by the aliases Jack or Jason. He allegedly told investigators that Immigration and Passports official Junaid Mughal and SPU official Zafar Iqbal were working with others to arrange immigration clearances in return for Rs80,000 per passenger.
The FIA says digital evidence strengthened the case. WhatsApp conversations and payment records reportedly found on a suspect’s mobile phone were cited as supporting material. These records are now expected to play an important role as investigators examine whether more officials or facilitators were part of the alleged operation.
Following the disclosures, FIA Islamabad Zone Director Shahzad Nadeem Bukhari formed a raiding team led by Anti-Corruption Cell Assistant Director Umar Arsalan and Inspector Raja Faheem. The team raided the Ghori Town residence of Junaid Mughal, an Immigration and Passports official, and took him into custody for further investigation.
During the initial probe, Mughal allegedly admitted receiving bribes from Xiao for helping secure the release of foreign nationals arrested from Sparco Plaza in Gulberg Greens, Islamabad. Investigators also believe the same group had previously arranged immigration clearance services for foreign passengers through improper channels.
The bust highlights growing concerns over corruption risks inside systems that deal with immigration, foreign nationals, cybercrime enforcement and internal security. Authorities are expected to expand the investigation to identify possible facilitators, verify payment trails and determine whether the alleged network had broader links beyond Islamabad.