ISLAMABAD (MNN); The Federal Investigation Agency has arrested the main suspect allegedly involved in a large-scale United States visa fraud case following the cancellation of his bail by a special court in Islamabad.
According to officials, the Anti-Human Trafficking Circle of the Federal Investigation Agency apprehended Sheikh Syed Saifuddin Arifi, son of Hafiz Muhammad Aslam, also known as Usman Gilani or Pir Sahib. He was taken into custody on the orders of the Special Judge Central in Islamabad after his interim bail was revoked.
The action was initiated after a formal referral from the United States Embassy in Islamabad, which flagged suspicious visa applications. The embassy informed Pakistani authorities that several applicants had attempted to obtain US visas using forged documents allegedly arranged by the accused and his associates.
Investigators revealed that the suspect and his accomplices lured applicants by promising them participation in a so-called “Festival of Sufi Wisdom” in the United States. They allegedly provided fabricated invitation letters, forged correspondence purportedly issued by Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other counterfeit supporting documents to strengthen visa applications.
Preliminary findings suggest that the accused deceived innocent citizens by offering to secure US visit visas in exchange for hefty sums of money. Authorities said that victims were collectively defrauded of millions of rupees. In some cases, agreements ranging between Rs4.5 million and Rs7 million per applicant were reportedly settled.
The suspect allegedly portrayed himself as an influential personality, claiming close ties with a prominent spiritual figure from Golra Sharif and presenting himself as a government employee to gain the trust of clients. By exploiting religious affiliations and social influence, he convinced applicants that their visas were guaranteed.
Further investigations indicate that during 2023 and 2024, the accused claimed to have arranged travel for two separate groups comprising 12 individuals each. He allegedly collaborated with other agents to prepare fake DS-160 visa application forms, forged invitation letters, and coached applicants for embassy interviews.
A criminal case has been registered against the suspect and his accomplices under Sections 3, 4, and 7 of the Prevention of Smuggling of Migrants Act, 2018, as well as Sections 420 and 468 of the Pakistan Penal Code, which deal with cheating and forgery.
Officials stated that further investigations are under way to determine the involvement of additional facilitators and to trace the full network behind the operation. Authorities are also examining financial transactions to assess the total amount collected through the alleged scam.
The Federal Investigation Agency reiterated its commitment to taking indiscriminate action against individuals involved in human smuggling and visa fraud. Citizens have been strongly advised to avoid dealing with unregistered or suspicious travel agents and to verify the authenticity of overseas job or visa offers through official channels before making any payments.
