60+ FIA Officials Linked to Human Trafficking Ring Behind Greece Boat Tragedy

ISLAMABAD: A devastating new report on the Greece Boat Tragedy has revealed the shocking involvement of more than 60 officials from Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) in a large-scale human trafficking operation. The report, presented to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, exposes a network of corrupt officers complicit in facilitating illegal migration, which led to the tragic boat capsizing incident off the coast of southern Greece on June 14, 2023.

The disaster claimed the lives of over 250 individuals, with 155 of the victims departing from Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport. Investigations have uncovered that more than 4,000 Pakistanis were sent to Greece through this illicit network, and many tragically lost their lives in three separate boat accidents.

The inquiry has named 61 FIA officials, accusing them of enabling the illegal migration operation. Based on the findings, 38 officials have been recommended for dismissal, while 21 others face disciplinary actions. The investigation has also raised serious concerns about the lack of oversight at immigration points, especially regarding suspicious departures to Libya, a war-torn country. These departures, which should have raised alarms, were ignored by the officers responsible for overseeing immigration.

The inquiry pointed to a systematic failure among supervisory officials, whose inability to identify red flags allowed this illegal migration network to thrive. In response, strict disciplinary measures are being considered, including potential dismissals under the Civil Servants Efficiency & Discipline (E&D) Rules, 2020. The implicated officials have been issued show-cause notices, and if they fail to respond within 10 days, formal disciplinary proceedings will commence.

Read More: FIA Officials Expelled Amid Investigation into Greece Boat Tragedy

This tragic event has exposed critical flaws in Pakistan’s immigration system, prompting urgent calls for reforms and greater accountability within the FIA to prevent future disasters.