Pakistan FIA Establishes Cryptocurrency Unit to Block Money Laundering and Terror Financing
Reporting based primarily on dawn.com.
Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency has established a dedicated cryptocurrency investigation unit within its new National Command and Control Centre to prevent money laundering and terrorism financing through virtual currency transactions. [1]
FIA Launches Cryptocurrency Investigation Unit
The Federal Investigation Agency has set up a cryptocurrency investigation unit housed inside its newly operational National Command and Control Centre. [1] The unit’s core purpose is to prevent the use of virtual currency for money laundering and terrorism financing. [1] FIA Counter-Terrorism Wing Director Dr Muhammad Athar Waheed explained that the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority handles regulation of digital assets, while the new unit will investigate possible criminal misuse of those assets. [1] The establishment of the unit forms part of broader efforts to strengthen the agency’s capacity against financial crimes involving emerging technologies. [2]
Role of NC3 as Central Command Platform
The National Command and Control Centre serves as a unified platform for monitoring, intelligence fusion, inter-agency coordination and nationwide operational support. [1] It brings key operational units onto a single command platform. [1] The centre includes an Immigration Monitoring Unit and Integrated Border Management System that deliver real-time oversight of traveller movements along with biometric verification and screening at all ports of entry and exit. [1] A Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Desk coordinates intelligence-led operations against organised smuggling networks, while a Risk Analysis Unit identifies high-risk individuals, suspicious travel patterns and emerging threats. [1] Dedicated anti-money laundering and virtual currency investigation units operate within NC3 to strengthen probes into financial crimes. [1] An Interpol Desk functions as Pakistan’s national coordination point for international law enforcement cooperation. [1] A case management system enables real-time monitoring of investigations and performance across FIA formations nationwide. [1] The centre supports public service delivery through a 24/7 helpline, a complaint management unit and an overseas complaints cell. [1] Intelligence capabilities are reinforced by open source intelligence, cellular detection, cyber patrolling and dark web investigation units. [1] A centralised daily situation report and an operational support desk supply senior leadership with real-time situational awareness and nationwide operational coordination. [1]
Calls for Broader Agency Involvement
Director Dr Muhammad Athar Waheed stated that the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency and the Anti-Narcotics Force should also establish similar units. [1] He noted that such squads would help tackle the use of cryptocurrency for cybercrimes and drug-related business. [1] The director emphasised that while the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority regulates digital assets, investigative units in other agencies are needed to address specific crime categories. [2]
Human Trafficking Enforcement Results
Over the past two years, more than 300 FIRs were registered against human trafficking. [1] These cases resulted in 258 agents arrested and significant recoveries made. [1] Officials reported that many gangs involved in human trafficking have been busted. [1] As a result, incidents of boat tragedies are witnessing a decline. [1]
Ongoing FIA Reforms and Modernisation
New rules are being framed to ensure time-bound completion of all inquiries. [1] Special weapons and tactics teams have been formed as raiding parties to protect FIA investigators. [1] A large number of vehicles have been added to the FIA fleet. [1] International collaboration is being improved through the creation of a new post of International Coordination director. [1] Recruitment of around 1,300 officials is in progress, with further recruitment planned. [1] Rules of the Punjab police have been adopted for the welfare of FIA employees. [1] Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi played a pivotal role in strengthening the FIA by providing the support needed to modernise the agency. [1] With the introduction of several reform initiatives, the FIA has already demonstrated significant improvement in its performance, and officials expect a number of additional key projects to be completed over the next six months. [1]
What to watch next: Officials expect additional key projects to be completed over the next six months while recruitment of around 1,300 officials continues. [1]
