By Our Correspondent
LAHORE: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on Friday arrested a suspected Hawala/Hundi operator during a raid conducted on the identification of another accused currently in custody, officials said.
According to FIA sources, the accused, identified as Asim Mehmood Butt, was arrested red-handed from his shop located on Machlod Road during a targeted operation. During the search, officials recovered Rs28.5 million in cash, registered Hundi/Hawala account records and a mobile phone allegedly containing evidence related to illegal financial transactions.
Officials said preliminary analysis of the recovered records and the suspect’s mobile phone revealed that the accused was allegedly part of an organized Hundi/Hawala and TT (telegraphic transfer) network operating illegally.
Investigators further claimed that several transaction records and digital evidence were recovered from the accused’s WeChat application, which were taken into FIA custody on May 23, 2026 for forensic examination and further investigation.
The accused was later produced before the area magistrate for physical remand. After reviewing the police record, the court granted FIA four-day physical remand of the suspect to investigate the network further and identify other individuals allegedly involved in the operation.
FIA officials said investigations are ongoing and further arrests are expected as authorities continue tracing the network’s financial links and activities.
