ISLAMABAD: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested two Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials. The arrests are linked to an alleged fake document attestation network.
The action is part of an ongoing apostille scandal investigation in Islamabad. The FIA Anti-Corruption Circle conducted the arrests on Monday.
The arrested officials were identified as Assistant Director Qaiser and Apostille In-charge Samiullah. Both officials were shifted to the FIA for questioning.
The latest arrests follow an earlier FIA operation in Islamabad’s Aabpara area. The agency had booked 22 suspects in the case.
Six of the suspects are officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The remaining 16 suspects are linked to private consultancy and courier businesses.
The FIA conducted raids at several offices in the basement of F&F Plaza. The offices included consultancy and courier businesses operating in Aabpara.
According to the FIA, investigators acted on information from reliable sources. The operation focused on an alleged network involving fake apostille stickers and official stamps.
The apostille scandal investigation concerns the alleged preparation and use of forged documents. Authorities are also investigating the circulation of fake apostille stickers.
The FIA registered Case No. 48/2026 against 22 suspects. The case includes charges under several sections of the Pakistan Penal Code.
These include Sections 420, 468, 471 and 109 of the PPC. Section 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act was also included.
Investigators identified 16 private suspects linked to several companies. These include consultancy and courier businesses operating in the Aabpara area.
The case also names six MOFA officials connected with attestation and apostille services. Their alleged involvement is part of the ongoing investigation.
The FIA alleged that applicants were charged large amounts for faster services. The agency also alleged that bribes were paid to ministry officials.
Investigators further alleged that fake apostille stickers had circulated in different parts of Pakistan. This raised concerns about the misuse of official documents.
The FIA also said the alleged activity could cause losses to the national exchequer. The investigation is continuing to determine the full scope of the network.
A court has granted three-day physical remand of the arrested suspects. Inspector Arslan Masood Khan is investigating the case.
The FIA is also seeking other individuals allegedly connected with the case. Further arrests may follow as investigators examine the evidence.
The apostille scandal has raised concerns about document verification and official attestation procedures. The investigation will determine whether the allegations against the suspects are established.
The FIA said action would continue against alleged corruption and forgery. The agency said both government officials and private individuals could face action.
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The case remains under investigation, and the allegations have not yet been established through a final court judgment.
