Interpol Issues Red Warrants for 30 Human Smugglers Operating from Pakistan

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) of Pakistan has confirmed that Interpol has issued red warrants against 30 human smugglers operating from the country. The action comes under FIA directives aimed at dismantling transnational human trafficking networks.

According to officials, the 30 suspects were running smuggling operations in Dubai, Libya, Egypt, and Qatar, with many already listed in the FIA’s internal “Red Book,” which records wanted criminals.

To strengthen international cooperation in tracking human traffickers, the FIA has set up liaison offices in Muscat, Tehran, and Athens. These offices will work closely with local authorities to coordinate the identification and apprehension of smugglers involved in cross-border human trafficking.

The FIA emphasized that this crackdown forms part of Pakistan’s broader strategy to combat organized human smuggling and protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation.

FIA Sacks Officers Over Negligence in Greece Boat Tragedy, Ties to Smugglers

Earlier this month, the FIA also intensified internal accountability measures, taking action against officers for professional negligence, misconduct, and alleged links to human smuggling networks. High-ranking officials, including the Deputy Director of Karachi Airport and multiple Assistant Directors, were dismissed for negligence related to the 2023 Greece boat tragedy, which claimed hundreds of Pakistani lives. An Assistant Database Administrator was also terminated.

Officers suspected of involvement in human trafficking faced further disciplinary action. The Deputy Director of Multan Airport was demoted for three years due to alleged ties to smugglers, connected to the ongoing Libya boat disaster investigation, which has already resulted in 30 suspensions.

Additional penalties included pay scale reductions for four Assistant Directors and one Inspector, as well as dismissals of two Senior Investigators for substandard investigations. Cases of prisoner mishandling and absenteeism also led to disciplinary measures.

The FIA has reiterated its commitment to combating human trafficking, both domestically and internationally, while ensuring accountability within its own ranks to prevent complicity in criminal networks.