FIA Forms Cryptocurrency Investigation Unit to Curb Financial Crimes Nationwide

CRYPTOCURRENCY – (Staff Reporter/Web Desk) – The Federal Investigation Agency has formed a brand-new FIA Cryptocurrency Investigation Unit. This step was taken on the direct orders of the FIA Director General, according to officials familiar with the matter.

The move comes at a time when digital currency use is growing fast across the country. Officials say the goal is simple: keep a closer eye on how crypto is being used, and stop it from being misused.

This new team will focus mainly on money laundering cases. It will also look into how criminals may be using digital coins to fund terrorism. Suspicious money transfers made through crypto wallets and platforms will be tracked closely.

Alongside this, the unit will run a full FIA cybercrime cryptocurrency investigation into online fraud linked to virtual assets. Many people have lost money to fake crypto schemes in recent years. This unit aims to bring such cases under proper legal watch.

Officials shared that the team will use modern tools and tech-based methods during its investigations. The work will also follow global standards, so that Pakistan’s approach matches how other countries handle crypto crime.

The FIA further stated that special steps are being planned to stop crypto misuse. These steps will help build stronger legal cases against people who break the rules. The overall aim is to protect ordinary users and keep financial fraud in check.

Pakistan has long been known as one of the biggest crypto markets in the world, based on everyday user activity. Millions of people here already buy, sell, or hold digital coins in some form.

Because of this large user base, the government has been working quickly to bring order to the sector. Plans are already underway to explore tokenised state assets. Licences for crypto exchanges are also expected to roll out in the coming months.

Crypto has become part of Pakistan’s outreach to Washington as well. A deal was signed with a firm linked to World Liberty Financial, a crypto venture tied to the family of US President Donald Trump. The deal looks at using a dollar-backed stablecoin for cross-border payments.

Islamabad has started calling this approach “crypto diplomacy.” It shows how digital currency is now shaping not just local policy, but international ties too.

On the regulatory side, the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority, known as PVARA, was set up earlier. This body handles licensing and oversight of the crypto and virtual asset space in the country.

Bilal Bin Saqib was named as the Chairman of PVARA. His role will be key in shaping how crypto rules take final shape across Pakistan.

With the new FIA Cryptocurrency Investigation Unit now active, experts believe crypto-related crime may finally get the focused attention it needs. It also sends a clear signal that digital assets can no longer be used freely without legal risk.

As Pakistan moves closer to full crypto regulation, this unit could play a major role in keeping the market safe. For now, officials say more updates on its structure and powers are expected soon.