The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has successfully apprehended a notorious human trafficker, Yasir Mahmood, who was on the agency’s Red Book list of most wanted criminals in 2023. Mahmood, a proclaimed offender, was wanted in connection with multiple human trafficking cases in Gujrat.
A senior FIA official from the Gujranwala Zone confirmed the arrest, stating that Mahmood was apprehended by the FIA Crime Circle in Gujrat. The accused faced charges under several FIRs, including cases registered under FIR Nos. 160/23, 188/23, 190/23, 214/23, and 236/23, pertaining to violations of the Emigration Ordinance (EO) 1979 and the Prevention of Smuggling of Migrants Act (PSMA) 2018.
In 2023, Mahmood, along with his accomplices, extorted Rs 2.4 million each from five individuals intending to migrate to Europe. The victims were initially flown to Libya via Egypt and Dubai. Upon arrival in Libya, they were held in deplorable conditions at a safe house before being transported by boat to Italy. Tragically, the boat carrying these migrants sank, and all on board are presumed dead. As a result, five FIRs were filed at the FIA Gujrat police station.
The FIA’s raiding team, led by Assistant Director Muhammad Yousaf, carried out the operation that led to Mahmood’s arrest. Authorities have stated that further investigations are ongoing.
In a related development, FIA also arrested three other human traffickers in Gujranwala and Wazirabad districts, who were wanted in different cases related to illegal human trafficking.
The FIA continues to combat human trafficking and bring criminals to justice as part of its commitment to protecting vulnerable migrants and preventing illegal trafficking activities.
