WEB DESK: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Anti-Human Trafficking Circle (ATC) in Lahore has apprehended two notorious human traffickers involved in the Greek boat tragedy.
These individuals, listed as highly wanted criminals, were arrested during targeted operations according to to Express News report. The FIA has intensified its crackdown on human trafficking networks following the arrest of two immigration officers at Faisalabad Airport. Raids are ongoing in Gujranwala and Faisalabad to capture other traffickers linked to these cases.
The arrested traffickers, identified as Nawaz Sansi and Naveed Shah, were responsible for sending four individuals to Italy illegally for Rs8.8 million. Tragically, two of these individuals, Hamad and Khawar, lost their lives in the Greek boat disaster.
Sansi was apprehended in Farooqabad, while Shah, a fugitive with a notorious reputation, was captured in Nankana Sahib. Both were implicated in the illegal migration operation that led to the boat tragedy.
Expanded investigations and arrests
In a related operation, FIA’s Gujranwala Zone arrested another high-profile trafficker, Muhammad Suleman, who was listed in the agency’s Red Book. Suleman, implicated in over seven human trafficking cases, defrauded victims of millions of rupees by promising them safe passage to Europe. He facilitated their travel through Libya, Egypt, and Dubai.
Authorities have revealed that 18 passengers involved in the Greek boat tragedy departed from Faisalabad Airport. The disaster occurred last week when a migrant-laden boat capsised en route to Greece, claiming numerous lives.
Prime Minister’s directive fuels crackdown
The FIA’s intensified actions follow directives from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who called for a stringent approach to combat human trafficking. The agency has pledged to dismantle trafficking networks and bring perpetrators to justice.
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