The Federal Investigation Agency has uncovered an illegal immigration network allegedly involving a senior official of the Federal Board of Revenue, authorities confirmed.
According to the FIA, a high-ranking FBR officer facilitated the illegal travel of Pakistani nationals to France by falsely presenting them as members of an official government delegation.
FIA immigration officials intercepted Muhammad Kamran and Aamir Shahzad at Islamabad International Airport as they attempted to depart for France on visit visas. Authorities offloaded both passengers and registered a First Information Report (FIR) against them.
During immigration clearance, officials flagged the passengers for secondary profiling after inconsistencies emerged. The suspects claimed they worked as FBR officers and were travelling to France as part of an official delegation for meetings and a visit to the European Parliament.
To support their claim, the suspects produced a printed email allegedly exchanged with Atiq ur Rahman Chaudhary, identified as Second Secretary at the FBR. The email, titled “Re-Visit of FBR Officers to Paris, France,” referred to proposed engagements with the Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry and discussions on joint ventures.
Director, Anti-Human Smuggling Wing, FIA, Abdul Hameed Bhutto, outlines the core functions and operational mandate of the Wing.
He explains how the Anti-Human Smuggling Wing plays a crucial role in preventing and combating human smuggling and illegal migration. pic.twitter.com/OO9VM74ezL
— Federal Investigation Agency – FIA (@FIA_Agency) January 23, 2026FIA officials verified the claims and found no supporting documentation. The suspects failed to present travel authorisation, nomination orders, employment records, or any approval from the FBR. Investigators confirmed that neither individual held a government position nor belonged to any official delegation.
Further inquiry revealed that the suspects planned to travel onward to Spain after entering France, with the intention of absconding within Europe and seeking asylum.
Investigators stated that Atiq ur Rahman Chaudhary allegedly arranged French visas by falsely identifying private individuals as FBR officials. The officer reportedly misused his official designation, identity, and FBR email account to support fraudulent visa applications.
A forensic review of the suspects’ mobile phones uncovered contact details of other applicants, communications related to visa status, and records of payments linked to visa processing.
Financial analysis showed that millions of rupees moved into accounts linked to Chaudhary, allegedly as payments for arranging illegal travel.
The FIA said the officer operated a systematic network that promoted illegal migration under the guise of official government travel while receiving significant unlawful financial benefits.
Authorities have recommended a coordinated verification process with the FBR. The agency also urged a detailed review of visit visas issued by the French Embassy and other foreign missions to individuals claiming FBR affiliation.
Officials said the objective is to determine the full scope of the operation, identify additional beneficiaries, and expose all facilitators involved in the scheme.
