MULTAN — The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Multan Zone has arrested nine individuals accused of running extensive human trafficking and visa fraud operations across Multan and Bahawalpur.
Authorities say the suspects extorted large sums of money from citizens by offering fake overseas employment opportunities in countries including Saudi Arabia, Dubai, and the UAE.
The arrested individuals include Ghaus Bakhsh, Atta-ul-Hassan, Muhammad Shoukat, Muhammad Waqas, Usama Ashraf, Muhammad Din Muhammad, Manu Ram, Azhar Iqbal, and Mulazim Hussain. Investigators say each promised jobs abroad and collected money without delivering on their commitments.
Some of the alleged extortion amounts include:
Ghaus Bakhsh: Rs 800,000 for a Saudi Arabia job
Muhammad Shoukat: Rs 500,000 for a Dubai employment visa (proclaimed offender since 2023)
Atta-ul-Hassan: Rs 180,000
Mulazim Hussain: over Rs 2 million
Muhammad Waqas: Rs 1.3 million for Saudi employment
Usama Ashraf: Rs 563,000
Muhammad Din Muhammad: Rs 200,000 for an Umrah visa
Manu Ram: Rs 900,000 for a UAE visa
Azhar Iqbal: Rs 700,000
After taking the money, the suspects reportedly fled and went into hiding. All nine are now in custody, and FIA officials confirmed that investigations are ongoing.
The agency has vowed strict action against anyone involved in such fraudulent schemes, emphasizing the need for citizens to verify employment offers and avoid scams promising overseas jobs.
