FIA Nabs Infamous Human Trafficker Linked to Greece Tragedy
Synopsis
In a significant crackdown, Pakistan's FIA has arrested a prominent human trafficker connected to the Greece boat disaster. The accused, a former Elite Force constable, faces serious charges and is under investigation for extorting victims' families. This incident highlights the ongoing struggle against human trafficking in the region.
Key Takeaways
FIA arrests a key human trafficker linked to Greece boat tragedy.
Waqas Ali extorted millions from families promising illegal transport.
Incident highlights ongoing issues of human trafficking in Pakistan.
FIA actions at the airport reveal misuse of Umrah visas.
Continued vigilance is crucial in combating trafficking.
Islamabad, April 3 (NationPress) - The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) of Pakistan has announced the capture of a notorious human trafficker listed in the FIA's red book, linked to the tragic boat disaster in Greece in June 2023, according to local media reports released on Friday. The suspect previously served as a constable within Pakistan's Elite Force.
In a previous incident in January, the apprehended trafficker resisted arrest and attacked a FIA team during a raid in Majra Shumali village, located in the Gujrat district. Law enforcement officials charged him with attempted murder and other offenses, as reported by Dawn, a leading Pakistani newspaper.
A senior FIA official confirmed that the wanted trafficker, known as Waqas Ali (alias Waqas Butt), was taken into custody by the FIA Composite Circle in Gujrat. He is listed in the 2025 red book as a proclaimed offender involved in multiple FIA cases.
According to the FIA official, Waqas is directly implicated in the shipwreck off the coast of Libya in 2023. He allegedly extorted approximately 3 million Pakistani Rupees (PKR) from each affected family by falsely promising to transport them to Greece via illegal maritime routes from Libya. Waqas was dismissed from the Gujrat police in 2023.
Last month, the FIA intervened at the Multan International Airport, offloading two passengers who were reportedly attempting to misuse their Umrah visas to enter Europe.
A spokesperson from the FIA mentioned that immigration officials acted during standard screening of outgoing passengers. Two Pakistani citizens, Sikander Alam and Noor Islam, were en route to Saudi Arabia for Umrah, but initial investigations raised doubts, leading to further scrutiny, as reported by Dawn.
Upon further investigation, officials discovered Moroccan visas attached to Alam and Islam's passports. During questioning, they revealed that their true destination was Spain, not Saudi Arabia.
The FIA noted that this incident corresponds with recent alerts from their headquarters regarding the increasing number of individuals attempting to use Umrah visas as a disguise for illegal entry into Europe via Morocco.
Following these findings, both passengers were removed from the aircraft and taken to the FIA Composite Circle in Multan for additional questioning.
Point of View
The recent arrest by the FIA reflects the persistent challenges Pakistan faces in combating human trafficking. The connection of this trafficker to international incidents underscores the need for enhanced vigilance and stringent measures to protect vulnerable populations.
NationPress
11 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was arrested by the FIA?
The FIA arrested Waqas Ali, a notorious human trafficker involved in the June 2023 Greece boat tragedy.
What were the charges against Waqas Ali?
Waqas Ali faces charges including attempted murder, extortion, and involvement in multiple human trafficking cases.
What was the incident linked to Waqas Ali?
Waqas Ali is linked to a tragic boat capsize incident in Greece where many lives were lost.
What did the FIA discover at Multan International Airport?
The FIA discovered two passengers attempting to misuse their Umrah visas for illegal entry into Europe.
What is the FIA doing to combat human trafficking?
The FIA is actively investigating and arresting individuals involved in human trafficking networks to protect vulnerable populations.
