FIA arrests wanted Hawala-Hundi suspect

News Desk 

Multan: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested an alleged ringleader of an international Hawala/Hundi network at Multan International Airport upon his arrival from Saudi Arabia, officials said.

According to the FIA, its Immigration Wing in Multan arrested Younas Khan, who was wanted by the FIA Composite Circle Dera Ghazi Khan and had been placed on the Stop List.

The suspect is allegedly linked to an organised network involved in Hawala/Hundi transactions. Preliminary investigations indicated that he had been receiving substantial Hawala/Hundi funds in Saudi Arabia and allegedly sharing transaction records with associates in Pakistan through WhatsApp.

The FIA said other members of the network were allegedly involved in distributing and transferring the funds within Pakistan.

A member of the same network had previously been arrested while allegedly carrying a significant amount of money, according to the agency.

Officials said mobile phones and other material believed to be linked to illegal currency exchange and Hawala/Hundi activities were also recovered from the suspect.

Following his arrest, Younas Khan was handed over to the FIA Composite Circle Dera Ghazi Khan for further investigation.

The FIA said raids were being conducted to arrest other suspected members of the network and dismantle the wider illegal financial transaction network.

Further investigation is underway.