LAHORE: Despite arrests by Punjab FIA of hundreds of groups involved in human trafficking, making of fake passports and documents, and cybercrime, the activities continue under the eye of FIA in Lahore, Gujranwala, Faislabad, Gujrat and Jehlum.
Some of the culprits involved in these crimes have even managed to flee abroad. FIA has formed teams to arrest wanted criminals but little success has been achieved in this regard.
According to sources, since 2016, there has been increase in fake companies that exploit citizens in the name of sending them abroad to places like America, Europe, Australia and Arab countries. These groups have opened travel agencies in fake names and fraud millions. Owners of most travel agencies have fake licenses as well. Whereas in 2016, FIA conducted 1251 raids in which more than 500 wanted and on-the-run criminals have been arrested.
So far, 967 inquiries are pending. In 2017, FIA has not produced solid steps. The committee formed by FIA for many years has been unable to arrest those against whom FIRs have been registered. Also those who incriminated and charged in 2016 and 2017 are still free to roam around.
On directions of the FIA director, a committee is formed but no real steps are taken to enforce its objectives. This is because of those government workers in FIA who play a role in human trafficking. Some officials of FIA are now millionaires because of involvement in these activities. And despite having fake airport documents, some of them are able to secure Rs 50,000 to Rs 100,000 per person in providing access to a plane travelling in various parts of the world.
A travel agent requesting anonymity, has said that Rs 100,000 is required to doctor a passport. And if the visa is for America, then the rate increases to 25 to Rs 3,000,000; for Europe it is Rs 1,500,000 and South-Africa Rs 600,000. He revealed that this is the procedure for the documents: if there is a request for a South-Africa, I will obtain any passport from the country, and replace the photo with that of the person who is wishes to travel. The rate for this is Rs 50-70,000. When the photo is replaced, we inform the FIA officials who works with us. Until a green signal is obtained from these officials, the person is not allowed to travel. Once they give the green light, the officials are paid Rs 70-80,000 and the person is put on a plane. That’s the same procedure in South-Africa. Overall profits from the endeavour can be around Rs 200,000 to Rs 250,000.
The travel agent further said that FIA lies a lot about its performance. Most corruption takes place in FIA, he said. He added that human trafficking cannot stop because senior officers and their political affiliations are involved in the activity.
