FIA arrests 2 in Lahore over 'illegal' currency exchange, another 2 for copyright violations

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has apprehended four suspects in Lahore as part of a crackdown on illegal financial activities and intellectual property theft. The agency's Lahore Corporate Crime Circle conducted separate raids, leading to the arrest of two individuals accused of operating unauthorized currency exchange and hawala/hundi businesses. During these operations, authorities confiscated Rs20.4 million in cash, along with various foreign currencies including US dollars, Australian dollars, UAE dirhams, British pounds, and Saudi riyals. Documentary and digital evidence of illicit transactions was also recovered. In parallel actions, the FIA arrested two other suspects for alleged violations of the Copyright Act, 1962. These individuals were found with a substantial quantity of counterfeit goods from well-known brands, which they were reportedly stocking and selling. The FIA stated that further investigations are ongoing for both cases. This action follows a broader government initiative announced in March to combat money laundering and hawala/hundi networks nationwide, with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi previously emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy for such businesses.