The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has dismantled an illegal network allegedly engaged in the creation, distribution and utilisation of counterfeit apostille stickers, forged official seals and fraudulent documents in collusion with Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials in the federal capital.

After receiving credible intelligence regarding the illicit activities, FIA agents executed targeted raids on multiple consultancy firms and courier branches situated in a plaza in Aabpara market area. Following the operation, the agency formally registered a criminal case against 22 individuals.

Preliminary investigation indicates that proprietors and staff members from several prominent consultancy and logistics entities were integral to the fraudulent scheme. Investigators have named 16 private individuals alongside 6 Ministry of Foreign Affairs personnel, including officers and staff tasked with document attestation and apostille authentication duties.

The suspects allegedly extracted substantial fees from citizens under the pretense of expediting official apostille and document verification services, subsequently funneling bribes to ministry officials to facilitate the process. The investigative agency noted that fake apostille stickers had been circulated across various regions of the country, generating significant unlawful profits while inflicting substantial financial losses on the national exchequer. Following their arrest, the suspects were presented before a competent court, which granted a 3-day physical remand to allow for further interrogation.