MULTAN: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Immigration has foiled an alleged human trafficking and sexual exploitation network at Multan Airport, reportedly operating under the guise of Umrah visas.
According to officials, a suspected agent identified as Muhammad Amjad was arrested following information provided by a female passenger, Anisha Bibi. The woman was travelling to Saudi Arabia for Umrah on Saudi Arabian Airlines flight SV801. However, during the immigration clearance process, officials noticed suspicious behaviour and referred her to the shift in-charge for further questioning.
During an examination of mobile phones, chat records and other digital evidence, investigators allegedly discovered a plan to subject the woman to commercial sexual exploitation abroad.
Initial investigations further indicated that the alleged network was being operated by a suspected ringleader based in Saudi Arabia. According to officials, the suspected ringleader had allegedly arranged the woman’s travel to Saudi Arabia on an Umrah visa and made other arrangements for her transfer.
The FIA has taken the digital devices used by the woman into custody and expanded the scope of its investigation. The suspect and the female passenger have been handed over to the Anti-Human Trafficking Circle, Multan, for further legal proceedings.
Officials said efforts were under way to identify and bring before the law all individuals allegedly involved in facilitating or supporting the network.
