FIA detains 258 foreigners in Islamabad scam centre raid
40 Chinese nationals among those detained
The FIA official said 40 Chinese nationals were among the 258 foreigners detained during the operation. The group also included 170 Vietnamese nationals, along with people from Malaysia and “other Asian countries”.
The detainees were being held at a jail in Rawalpindi as the investigation continued. Authorities are working to establish the individual roles of those detained and determine whether they were involved in illegal activities at the alleged call centre.
Foreigners allegedly working on tourist visas
According to the FIA official, the foreigners had entered Pakistan on tourist visas. The official said they were not permitted to carry out the activities they were allegedly involved in at the call centre.
The use of tourist visas has therefore become an important part of the investigation. Authorities are expected to examine the immigration records of the detainees and determine whether any visa or immigration rules were violated.
Embassies informed about detentions
The FIA official said the respective embassies had been informed about the detention of their nationals. Officials are continuing to investigate the alleged activities at the call centre before deciding what legal action should follow.
Details of the allegations are expected to be released in the coming days as the investigation progresses. Authorities may also determine whether some or all of the detainees should face deportation from Pakistan.
Investigation into alleged scam centre continues
The FIA has not yet disclosed all details about the alleged operation. Officials are expected to investigate how the call centre operated, who controlled it, and what type of activities were being carried out there.
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Investigators will also examine the financial and communication records linked to the centre. The findings could determine whether the detainees face further legal proceedings or are deported after the completion of the investigation.
Media reports emerge about raid
Media reports said the foreigners were detained during the raid last week. The FIA’s investigation is continuing, and officials have not yet announced the outcome of the case.
The detention of 40 Chinese nationals has also drawn attention because of the large number of foreign citizens involved. AFP has sought a response from China’s foreign ministry regarding the detention of its citizens.
A previous raid uncovered another alleged scam operation
The latest operation is not the first time authorities have raided a call centre involving foreign nationals in Islamabad. A similar raid was conducted in July 2025, when 149 people were arrested. The group included 71 foreigners, most of whom were Chinese nationals.
Those individuals were allegedly working at a large call centre linked to Ponzi schemes and investment fraud. The earlier case highlighted concerns about the alleged use of call centres for fraudulent financial activities.
What happens next?
The FIA is expected to continue questioning the detainees and examining evidence collected during the raid. Officials will also determine whether the foreigners violated Pakistani immigration rules or were involved in criminal activities.
Those found responsible could face legal action under relevant laws, while others could potentially be deported. The final decision is expected after investigators complete their assessment.
