The network involved in the use of fake government seals and postal stickers for the authentication of documents has been uncovered in Islamabad, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) said.
In this regard, as pert the FIA, a raid was conducted at a plaza in the Aabpara area, where several consultancy and courier offices were searched.
During the operation, officials allegedly recovered fake apostille stickers and government stamps being used for document verification.
The development has raised concerns over the misuse of official authentication mechanisms, particularly those used to verify documents intended for official and overseas purposes.
The FIA said cases have been registered against 22 suspects in connection with the alleged network. The accused include 16 private individuals and six officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The agency did not provide further details about the specific roles allegedly played by each suspect. However, the inclusion of government officials among those booked indicates that investigators are examining whether the alleged activity involved cooperation between private individuals and officials.
The investigation is expected to determine how the allegedly counterfeit stickers and official seals were obtained and used.
Court Grants Three-Day Physical Remand
Following the arrests, the suspects were produced before a court, which approved a three-day physical remand, according to the FIA.
During the remand period, investigators are expected to question the accused and collect further evidence concerning the alleged document-authentication network.
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The FIA’s action comes as authorities continue efforts to prevent the misuse of official documents, seals and authentication procedures. Further details about the investigation and any additional arrests may emerge as the inquiry progresses.
