What happened?
A Pakistani individual transferred roughly Rs 90 lakh (about $9 million) to a person claiming to secure a UK work visa and a job abroad. The promised visa and employment never materialised, and the victim reports that the agent vanished with the money.
Why does it matter?
The case underscores a surge in fraudulent schemes that prey on Pakistan’s growing pool of overseas‑job aspirants, many of whom are willing to pay large sums for a chance at better earnings. Such scams not only devastate families financially but also erode confidence in legitimate migration pathways, potentially prompting stricter scrutiny of private visa consultants.
What is being done and what should the public do?
The Federal Investigation Agency has opened an inquiry to trace the network behind the deceit and has issued a public warning to verify any visa‑related service provider through official channels, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Pakistani High Commission in the destination country. Citizens are urged to avoid upfront payments that far exceed standard processing fees and to report suspicious offers to the FIA immediately.