ISLAMABAD: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Balochistan Zone has arrested 16 individuals involved in illegal currency exchange and hawala/hundi operations during a series of targeted actions.
According to the FIA spokesperson, under the directives of Director General Rifaat Mukhtar Raja, a tightened crackdown has been launched against networks engaged in hawala and unlawful currency transactions.
In this ongoing operation, the FIA Balochistan Zone apprehended five suspects identified as Akmal Khan, Saifullah, Bashir Ahmed, Abdul Qayum, and Abdullah.
The arrests were made during raids conducted in various areas of Quetta and Chaman.
During these operations, authorities seized a total of PKR 684,000 in local currency, along with significant amounts of foreign currency including 230.5 million Iranian Rials, over 135,000 Afghanis, USD 700, SAR 200, and AUD 150.
Additionally, officials recovered checkbooks, receipts related to hawala transactions, and bank deposit slips from the suspects.
The individuals were found operating illegal currency exchange businesses without valid licenses.
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Upon interrogation, they failed to provide satisfactory explanations regarding the recovered currency.
