The hawala-hundi crackdown in Lahore has resulted in the arrest of two suspects during an
FIA operation against illegal financial activities. The FIA Commercial Banking Circle Lahore
conducted a raid and arrested the suspects while they were allegedly involved in hawala-hundi
and illegal currency exchange. According to the FIA Lahore spokesperson, the suspects were
identified as Zohaib and Awais.

During the raid, FIA officials recovered Rs. 3.062 million in Pakistani currency from the
suspects. British pounds and United Arab Emirates dirhams were also recovered during the
operation, according to the FIA spokesperson. Officials also seized cheque books and prize
bonds from the suspects. Mobile phones were recovered as well, along with evidence linked to
the alleged hawala-hundi and illegal currency exchange activities.

The recovered items will now be examined as part of the investigation into the suspects’ alleged
financial activities. Investigators may review the mobile phones and other evidence to
understand the nature of the activities. They may also examine financial records to determine
whether additional transactions are connected with the case.

The FIA said the arrests were made during a raid in Lahore on October 2, 2026. Further
investigation has started. Authorities will examine the recovered cash, foreign currencies and
other material as the inquiry continues.

The case is part of the FIA’s work against financial crimes. The agency’s Economic Crime Wing
lists money laundering, hundi-hawala and illegal money or value transfer services among the
offences it investigates. The allegations against the suspects will be examined through the legal
process, while further action will depend on evidence collected by officials.

The FIA has not provided further details about charges or other individuals connected with the
case. Further information may be released as investigators continue examining the evidence
and recording relevant details. Officials will continue reviewing the available evidence.

Source: Federal Investigation Agency Lahore spokesperson

Razia khan