The Federal Investigation Agency has registered two additional cases in connection with the recent migrant boat capsize incident near the coast of Italy, bringing the total number of cases to seven.
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According to officials from the FIA’s Gujranwala Zone, the cases relate to alleged human traffickers involved in sending Pakistani nationals abroad through illegal channels. The latest cases were registered at FIA police stations in Gujrat and Sialkot as investigations into the tragedy continue.
Initial reports suggested that around 20 Pakistanis were on board the ill-fated vessel. However, updated information gathered by authorities indicates that 16 Pakistani nationals were involved. Of these, one individual reportedly survived and reached Italy, while the remaining 15 are still missing.
Officials said that formal confirmation of the victims is still awaited, as the Pakistani embassy is coordinating with Italian authorities. Meanwhile, local investigations are being conducted through contact with families and communities of the missing individuals.
So far, only seven families have filed formal complaints against suspected traffickers, while others remain hesitant to come forward. In one of the recent cases, a complainant alleged that he paid millions of rupees to an agent who promised to send his son to Italy. The victim was reportedly routed through multiple countries, including Ethiopia, Senegal, and Mauritania, before being taken to Libya for the final journey.
Authorities claim that the boat capsized shortly after departing from Libya toward Italy. The fate of many passengers remains unknown.
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Separately, the FIA has also arrested individuals linked to a fake visa scam involving travel to Bahrain. Investigations revealed that a passenger was facilitated using forged documents but was later deported upon arrival. Officials say efforts are ongoing to dismantle human trafficking networks and bring those responsible to justice.