The Federal Investigation Agency has widened its investigation into a case involving private individuals who allegedly impersonated Federal Board of Revenue officials at Islamabad International Airport while travelling to France.
According to sources, the FIA has issued notices to a deputy collector of customs and a customs constable, summoning them on Tuesday as part of the probe. The agency has also sought details of other customs officers and staff who allegedly provided official protocol to the suspects.
Investigators are examining how many individuals were granted protocol over the past year on the instructions of a person falsely claiming to be an FBR officer. Sources said customs personnel posted at the airport allegedly provided protocol on directions from senior authorities and, in some cases, received benefits such as continued postings in return.
According to FIA officials, Atiq ur Rehman, named in the first information report (FIR), secured interim bail on Monday, while a local court remanded the arrested private individuals in the case to judicial custody.
The case surfaced after FIA officials intercepted two passengers travelling to Paris and questioned them about the purpose of their visit. Examination of their mobile phones revealed WhatsApp communication with a tax official who falsely presented himself as an FBR coordinator/officer and second secretary.
The suspect allegedly facilitated the issuance of French visit visas by misusing the name and credibility of the tax authority. Investigators recovered documentary evidence of payments for the visas, including bank transfer records. According to the FIR, the nature and frequency of these transactions suggest that millions of rupees were received to arrange visit visas under the pretext of official government business.
The FIA said the accused used an official-looking email address and falsely portrayed the passengers as part of an FBR delegation to secure French visas. Authorities believe the scheme was aimed at facilitating illegal migration and possible asylum in Europe in exchange for financial gain.
Investigators allege the tax official received around Rs5.3 million from the two passengers through instalment-based bank transfers. During interrogation, the arrested individuals admitted they were not FBR employees and were working as a driver and a property dealer. They confessed to approaching the tax official to arrange French visas by falsely presenting themselves as FBR officials.
The FIA has seized passports, mobile phones, laptops, travel documents, bank records, email correspondence, hotel bookings, and cash as evidence. The agency has also approached the FBR to verify the alleged misuse of its official email system as the investigation continues.
