- The FIA has set up a new unit to operate from the National Command and Control Center.
- The newly created unit will focus on investigating crimes related to crypto transactions.
- Setting up the new unit demonstrates a significant improvement in the FIA’s performance.
Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has established a cryptocurrency investigation unit, which will operate from its newly operational National Command and Control Center (NC3). According to reports, the new unit is tasked with preventing money laundering and terrorism financing through virtual currency transactions.
New Unit to Probe Digital Asset Crimes
Dr. Muhammad Athar Waheed, Wing Director of FIA Counter-Terrorism, said the newly created unit would probe the possible use of digital assets in crimes, while working alongside another newly established agency, the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA). He noted that PVARA remains the dedicated authority responsible for regulating digital assets.
Waheed suggested that the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) and Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) establish similar units to tackle cryptocurrency involvement in cybercrimes and drug-related businesses. He further noted that the authorities are creating new rules to ensure time-bound completion of all inquiries.
FIA’s Improved Performance
The Wing Director described the development, alongside other initiatives, as a demonstration of significant improvement in the FIA’s performance, noting that the agency expects to complete additional key projects over the next six months. He acknowledged Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi for playing a pivotal role in strengthening the FIA, noting that Naqvi provided the support needed to modernize the agency.
On the newly established NC3, Waheed said the center provides a unified platform for monitoring, intelligence fusion, inter-agency coordination, and nationwide operational support. According to him, the platform brings key operational units together in a single command location.
Agencies Collaborating With the FIA
Other agencies identified by Waheed on the unified platform include the Immigration Monitoring Unit and the Integrated Border Management System (IBMS), which provides real-time oversight of traveler movements, biometric verification and screening at all ports of entry and exit, and the Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Desk, which is responsible for coordinating intelligence-led operations against organized smuggling networks. Meanwhile, the Risk Analysis Unit identifies high-risk individuals, suspicious travel patterns and emerging threats.
It is worth noting that special weapons and tactics (SWAT) teams will work with FIA investigators to offer them protection. The team will also be equipped with a large number of vehicles to enable efficient services.
Related: Pakistan Weighs Crypto Capital Gains Tax in Budget 2026-27
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