Islamabad (HRNW): The Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) Anti-Corruption Circle Islamabad has arrested a Pakistan Customs superintendent and two inspectors over allegations of bribery, extortion, abuse of authority, and criminal conspiracy as part of its ongoing anti-corruption campaign.
According to the FIA, a complainant reported that the officials allegedly acted in collusion to harass and threaten him and initially demanded Rs. 5 million in exchange for providing unlawful relief in a pending Customs criminal case. The alleged demand was later settled at Rs. 2.5 million.
The complainant further alleged that the officials threatened to implicate his family members and associates in the case if the demand was not met.
After obtaining approval from the competent authority and completing the required legal formalities, the FIA conducted a trap raid under the supervision of a judicial magistrate at MYST Café in Sector I-8, Islamabad.
During the operation, a Customs inspector was allegedly caught red-handed while receiving the first installment of the demanded bribe, amounting to Rs. 500,000, in the presence of the judicial magistrate. Marked currency was recovered from his possession, while his mobile phone was also taken into custody.
The FIA said an initial forensic examination of the mobile phone recovered voice chats allegedly indicating a criminal conspiracy to extort money from the complainant and plans to harass his family.
According to the FIA, FIR No. 39/2026 was registered under Sections 161 and 109 of the Pakistan Penal Code and Section 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947.
The arrested inspector was produced before a court, which granted five-day physical remand. On the suspect’s identification, the Customs superintendent and another inspector were also arrested.
The FIA stated that it is pursuing a zero-tolerance policy against corruption and will continue strict legal action without discrimination against government officials allegedly involved in bribery and abuse of authority.
Human Rights and Accountability Perspective
Alleged abuse of official authority, demands for bribes, and threats to implicate citizens in criminal cases raise serious concerns regarding the rule of law, due process, and fundamental rights. Transparent investigations, protection of complainants, and fair-trial guarantees for the accused are essential to ensuring justice.
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Disclaimer: This report is based on information and allegations provided by the FIA. The arrested individuals are presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a court of law. The final determination of the facts and legal responsibility rests with the competent judicial authorities.
