Sialkot man arrested for posing as cancer patient to obtain US visa

The Anti-Human Trafficking Circle (AHS) of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) arrested a man in Sialkot for attempting to obtain a US visa by posing as a cancer patient through the assistance of a travel agent.

The FIA acted after receiving a written complaint from the US Consulate regarding the suspect. The arrested individuals include Raza Abbas, a resident of Sialkot, and his alleged facilitator, Amir Hamza.

According to FIA sources, Raza Abbas attempted to secure a US visa using forged medical certificates and other fake documents. He also submitted fraudulent bank statements worth Rs 10 million and documents falsely claiming he was the owner of a travel agency.

Further investigations revealed that Raza Abbas acquired fake laboratory reports and hospital certificates from a lab receptionist, identified as Hafiz, for a payment of Rs 30,000.

Sources stated that Abbas's previous visa application had already been rejected. However, with Amir Hamza’s help, he reapplied, leading to their eventual arrest. Both individuals are now in custody as the FIA continues its investigation.

The FIA has recently intensified its crackdown on human trafficking in Pakistan following several tragic incidents involving Pakistanis.

In December, boat capsizing incidents in Greece and Spain claimed the lives of nearly 100 Pakistani nationals. Victims are often lured by human trafficking networks, who extort exorbitant amounts of money to smuggle them into Europe via dangerous sea routes.

In a separate operation on Friday, FIA Immigration arrested a passenger attempting to travel abroad using fake travel documents at Karachi Airport.

The agency recovered two forged passports with fake European visas from the suspect. During interrogation, the passenger confessed to contacting an agent through a social media platform, who had provided the fake documents.

The FIA spokesperson revealed that the agency thwarted a larger human trafficking attempt at Karachi Airport, arresting four individuals, including an agent. The smuggler, identified as Abdul Shakoor, had reportedly charged Rs 1.4 million per person, promising to facilitate their illegal travel to Poland.

Evidence retrieved from Shakoor’s mobile phone showed that he was in contact with an Indian agent as part of the trafficking operation. The FIA is pursuing further action against the suspects involved.