LAHORE: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has issued a stern warning to Pakistanis about criminal syndicates operating in Southeast Asia that lure job seekers with fake offers. According to FIA deputy director Mehmood Ali Khokhar, these syndicates are active in countries such as Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia, targeting aspirants, particularly in the IT and call center sectors.
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“These criminals promise high salaries, but upon arrival, Pakistanis are forced into illegal activities, including cyber and financial crimes. Those who resist often face severe threats, including violence or extortion involving their families,” Khokhar said on Wednesday. He advised job seekers to verify any overseas employment offers through legitimate sources or report suspicious activity to the FIA.
The warning comes after several Pakistanis were rescued from fraudulent call centers in Thailand, Myanmar, and Cambodia this year. In one high-profile raid, Thai and Cambodian authorities freed 215 foreign nationals, including 50 Pakistanis, from a building suspected of operating cyber fraud. In another crackdown, the Thai army helped hundreds of workers escape scam centers in Myanmar, with 38 Pakistanis crossing into Thailand for safety.
Victims in these operations are often tricked with promises of lucrative employment, only to have their passports confiscated and be forced into scams, including “pig butchering” financial fraud. Hundreds of thousands of people are trafficked across Southeast Asia annually for similar purposes.
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Meanwhile, FIA Lahore Director Ali Zia visited Allama Iqbal International Airport to inspect immigration counters and passenger facilities. He instructed officers to maintain professionalism, courtesy, and transparency while dealing with travelers. Zia reaffirmed the FIA’s commitment to combat human smuggling, illegal travel, and fake visas, saying, “Actions against illegal travel and corruption will be further intensified.”