The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has set up a cryptocurrency investigation unit inside its newly operational National Command and Control Centre (NC3) to check money laundering and terrorism financing carried out through virtual currency transactions.
FIA Counter-Terrorism Wing Director Dr Muhammad Athar Waheed told a private media outlet that the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA) was the dedicated body responsible for regulating digital assets, while the new cryptocurrency unit would look into the possible use of digital assets in crimes.
He said that the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) and the Anti-Narcotics Force should also set up similar units to deal with cryptocurrency used for cybercrimes and the drug trade. New rules were being framed to complete all inquiries within a set time period, he added.
“With the introduction of several reform initiatives, the FIA has already demonstrated significant improvement in its performance, and we expect a number of additional key projects to be completed over the next six months,” he said.
Dr Waheed credited Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi for playing a central role in strengthening the FIA by extending the support needed to modernise the agency.
On NC3, he explained that the centre worked as a single platform for monitoring, intelligence fusion, coordination between agencies and operational support across the country, bringing key units under one command structure.
Its Immigration Monitoring Unit and Integrated Border Management System (IBMS) keep watch on traveller movement, biometric checks and screening in real time at every entry and exit point.
The Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Desk runs intelligence-based operations against organised smuggling networks and the Risk Analysis Unit tracks high-risk individuals, unusual travel patterns and threats as they emerge.
NC3 also houses dedicated Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and virtual currency investigation units to strengthen financial crime probes, while its Interpol Desk functions as the country’s coordination point for cooperation with international law enforcement.
Officials noted that the case management system allows investigations and performance across FIA formations nationwide to be tracked in real time.
A 24/7 helpline, a complaint management unit and an overseas complaints cell, all housed at the centre, are meant to improve public service delivery and provide timely help to citizens and overseas Pakistanis.
“Its intelligence capabilities are further reinforced by (OSINT), cellular detection, cyber patrolling and dark web investigation units, which support intelligence gathering, lawful technical analysis and the detection of cyber-enabled and transnational crimes,” an official said.
Senior leadership gets real-time situational awareness and nationwide coordination through a centralised daily situation report and an operational support desk.
Special Weapons and Tactics teams (SWAT) have also been formed as raiding parties to protect FIA investigators, and a large number of vehicles have been added to the agency’s fleet.
Officials said that international collaboration was being expanded as well, with a new post of International Coordination director created. “Many new things are in the pipeline. Recruitment of around 1,300 officials is in progress while more recruitment will be made in the future,” an official said, adding that Punjab police rules had been adopted for the welfare of FIA employees.
A separate official said that over 300 FIRs [First Information Report] had been registered against human trafficking in the past two years, with 258 agents arrested and significant recoveries made. “We have busted many gangs involved in human trafficking; as a result, the incidents of boat tragedies are witnessing a decline,” the official claimed.
