Authorities in Pakistan have arrested a key suspect accused of orchestrating one of the country’s largest immigration fraud schemes, allegedly defrauding thousands of people of around Rs250 million.
The Federal Investigation Agency’s Anti-Human Trafficking Circle (AHTC) confirmed the arrest of M. Jahanzaib, also known as Junaid Butt, following an intelligence-led operation in Lahore.
Officials say the suspect is the mastermind behind the “Times Immigration” scam, which promised victims overseas opportunities through immigrant, student, and family visas. The operation reportedly targeted individuals seeking to travel abroad, exploiting their aspirations with false assurances.
According to investigators, the fraudulent network operated from multiple locations, including offices in Islamabad’s G-11 Markaz, Rawalpindi’s Giga Mall, and Lahore’s Liberty Market. Authorities also uncovered links to operations in the United Arab Emirates.
During the investigation, FIA teams traced several bank accounts tied to the company, revealing complex financial transactions that have raised suspicions of money laundering and other financial crimes.
The FIA stated that the probe is ongoing, with further arrests and financial recoveries expected as authorities continue to examine the wider network behind the scam.
The масштаб of the case has drawn widespread attention, prompting officials to urge the public to exercise caution when dealing with immigration consultants and to verify their credentials before making any payments.
