The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested the chief executive officer (CEO) and owner of a private consultancy firm in Islamabad over alleged fraud involving a United Kingdom (UK) student visa application.
The FIA’s Anti-Human Trafficking Circle in Islamabad registered a case against Wasil Izad and arrested him after allegedly recovering Rs16 lakh from his possession, media reports said citing FIA officials.
Officials said the case emerged after a complaint filed by one Muhammad Zahid, whose wife was seeking a UK student visa through the consultancy.
The investigation found that Izad allegedly acted with Salman, identified as a director, and Sadia, a visa consultant, in handling the application.
According to the FIA, the complainant was instructed to deposit Rs14 lakh (£4,000) through the online portal of Teesside University in the UK in May 2025.
The payment was made to the university as part of the visa process, officials said. However, the consultancy allegedly failed to submit the visa application and required documents before the relevant deadline.
As a result, the applicant lost the amount paid, investigation revealed.
The FIA said a case had been registered against the suspects under the Emigration Ordinance, 1979, and relevant provisions of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).
The FIA reported that further investigation was underway to determine the alleged role of other suspects.
They added that raids were being carried out to arrest Salman and Sadia, who were described as absconding suspects.
