The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested more than 35 agents and registered cases against 22 suspects as part of an investigation into alleged irregularities in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) apostille service.
FIA teams have carried out raids on offices allegedly linked to what investigators describe as an “apostille verification mafia” in several Islamabad markets, including Aabpara Market, Liberty Plaza and Sitara Market.
Several employees working at the offices have been detained and questioned as part of the investigation.
According to FIA sources, suspects taken into custody during the operation provided information about Foreign Ministry officials allegedly connected to the scheme. The agency subsequently arrested two officials, identified as Samiullah and Director Qaiser, who are being questioned.
Investigators are also examining allegations involving other Foreign Ministry officials. The FIA has not, however, publicly established the involvement of all those named by suspects.
The investigation follows an audit report concerning alleged irregularities that was submitted to Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch, according to sources. An inquiry is also under way into whether action was taken promptly after the report was received.
Despite the arrests and information obtained during physical remand, investigators have yet to arrest the alleged main suspect, according to sources.
FIA teams have continued surveillance and operations in Islamabad, detaining and questioning people suspected of acting as agents. Officials are also examining mobile phone data during the investigation.
The agency says individuals who are found to have no connection to the alleged scheme are released after questioning.
FIA official Mir Faizan told Ausaf that the agency conducts an investigation before clearing and releasing suspects. He said people found to be involved in the alleged scheme are not released.
Mr Faizan said the FIA was continuing efforts to arrest the alleged ringleader and other Foreign Ministry officials. He confirmed that two ministry officials had already been arrested and were being interrogated.
A separate team formed on the directives of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is also investigating the allegations, but has yet to reach a final conclusion, according to sources.
The FIA investigation remains ongoing, and the allegations have not been conclusively established in court.
