The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has established a dedicated cryptocurrency investigation unit within its newly operational National Command and Control Center (NC3) to investigate the use of digital assets in money laundering, terrorism financing, and other financial crimes.
FIA Counter Terrorism Wing Director Dr. Muhammad Athar Waheed said the unit will investigate the criminal use of cryptocurrencies, while the newly established Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA) will remain responsible for regulating digital assets.
He also called on the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) and the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) to establish similar units to combat the use of cryptocurrencies in cybercrime and drug trafficking. He added that new rules are being prepared to ensure investigations are completed within fixed timelines.
Dr. Waheed said the NC3 serves as a centralized platform for intelligence sharing, interagency coordination, and nationwide operational support.
The center houses units responsible for immigration monitoring, integrated border management, anti-money laundering investigations, virtual currency investigations, risk analysis, human trafficking and migrant smuggling, cyber patrolling, dark web investigations, and Interpol coordination. It also includes a case management system, a 24 hour public helpline, and complaint management facilities to improve public services.
The FIA has also formed Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) teams to support high risk operations, expanded its vehicle fleet, and created the post of Director International Coordination to strengthen cooperation with foreign law enforcement agencies. Officials said recruitment of around 1,300 personnel is underway, with additional hiring planned to further enhance the agency’s operational capacity.
According to FIA officials, more than 300 FIRs have been registered against human trafficking networks over the past two years, leading to the arrest of 258 agents. The agency claimed that its crackdown has dismantled several trafficking gangs and contributed to a decline in deadly migrant boat tragedies.
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