The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has established a dedicated Cryptocurrency Investigation Unit within its newly operational National Command and Control Centre (NC3) to combat money laundering, terrorism financing, and other financial crimes involving digital assets.
The initiative is part of the FIA’s broader efforts to strengthen Pakistan’s law enforcement capabilities in response to the growing use of cryptocurrencies in illicit financial activities. The new unit will investigate the criminal misuse of virtual assets while working alongside the recently established Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA), which is responsible for regulating the country’s digital asset sector.
Speaking to Dawn, FIA Counter-Terrorism Wing Director Dr Muhammad Athar Waheed said the Cryptocurrency Investigation Unit has been created to identify and investigate cases where digital currencies are used for illegal activities, including terrorism financing and money laundering.
He clarified that while PVARA will regulate the virtual asset ecosystem, the FIA’s role will focus on criminal investigations involving cryptocurrencies and other digital assets.
Specialised Units Proposed for NCCIA and ANF
Dr Waheed also recommended that other federal agencies establish similar specialised units to address emerging threats linked to digital currencies.
He suggested that the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) should create a dedicated cryptocurrency investigation team to tackle cyber-enabled financial crimes, while the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) should establish a similar unit to investigate the use of cryptocurrencies in drug trafficking and narcotics financing.
He added that new operational rules are currently being drafted to ensure all investigations are completed within defined timelines, improving efficiency and accountability across the FIA.
According to Dr Waheed, the FIA has already achieved noticeable improvements through institutional reforms, with several additional modernization projects expected to be completed within the next six months.
He also acknowledged the support of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, saying the minister played a key role in strengthening the agency by backing modernization initiatives and operational reforms.
NC3 Becomes FIA’s Central Operations Hub
The newly established National Command and Control Centre (NC3) has been designed as a unified platform for intelligence gathering, operational coordination, monitoring, and nationwide law enforcement support.
According to FIA officials, the centre integrates multiple operational wings under one command structure, enabling faster information sharing and coordinated responses to emerging security threats.
Its Immigration Monitoring Unit and Integrated Border Management System (IBMS) provide real-time monitoring of passenger movements across all ports of entry and exit, using biometric verification and advanced screening systems to strengthen border security.
The Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Desk coordinates intelligence-based operations against organized trafficking networks, while the Risk Analysis Unit identifies suspicious travel patterns, high-risk individuals, and emerging security threats.
Dedicated Financial Crime and Cyber Intelligence Units
To strengthen investigations into financial crimes, NC3 houses dedicated Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Virtual Currency Investigation Units, enabling the FIA to investigate increasingly sophisticated financial offences involving digital technologies.
The centre also includes an Interpol Desk, which serves as Pakistan’s national coordination point for international law enforcement cooperation, facilitating information sharing and cross-border investigations.
Officials said a centralized Case Management System (CMS) now allows real-time monitoring of investigations and performance across FIA offices nationwide, improving transparency and operational oversight.
Public services have also been enhanced through a 24-hour helpline, a complaint management unit, and a dedicated overseas complaints cell, providing faster assistance to citizens and overseas Pakistanis.
Advanced Cyber Surveillance and Intelligence Gathering
The NC3 further strengthens the FIA’s intelligence capabilities through specialized units focused on Open Source Intelligence (OSINT), cyber patrolling, cellular detection, and dark web investigations.
These units support lawful intelligence collection, technical analysis, and the detection of cyber-enabled crimes and transnational criminal networks.
A centralized Daily Situation Report (DSR) and operational support desk provide FIA leadership with real-time situational awareness, enabling faster decision-making and coordinated nationwide operations.
SWAT Teams, Recruitment Drive and Human Trafficking Crackdown
To improve officer safety during high-risk operations, the FIA has established Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) teams to accompany raiding parties. The agency has also expanded its vehicle fleet to improve operational mobility across the country.
Officials revealed that international cooperation is also being strengthened through the creation of a new Director International Coordination position, aimed at enhancing collaboration with foreign law enforcement agencies.
The FIA is currently recruiting approximately 1,300 new officials, with additional hiring planned in the future to strengthen its investigative capacity. Employee welfare measures have also been expanded by adopting several service rules currently followed by the Punjab Police.
Highlighting recent enforcement efforts, officials said that during the past two years the FIA registered more than 300 First Information Reports (FIRs) related to human trafficking, arrested 258 human trafficking agents, and made significant recoveries during investigations.
According to FIA officials, multiple organized trafficking networks have been dismantled, contributing to a decline in fatal migrant boat tragedies involving Pakistani nationals.
Outlook
The establishment of the FIA Cryptocurrency Investigation Unit marks another significant step in Pakistan’s efforts to strengthen financial crime enforcement as digital assets become increasingly integrated into the global financial system.