Organized Begging Network Using Hawala Exposed in Karachi
Authorities in Karachi have uncovered an organized begging network operating in Saudi Arabia, with funds allegedly transferred through illegal hawala and hundi channels.
According to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Immigration officials, two passengers—Muhammad Jameel and Guria Bibi, residents of Faisalabad—were intercepted upon arrival in Karachi from Saudi Arabia after raising suspicion during the clearance process.
Initial investigations revealed that both individuals had traveled abroad on Umrah visas. They admitted to arranging their travel through an agent, Kashmiri Ali, based in Jhelum. Further inquiry exposed a wider organized network involved in begging activities overseas.
Officials stated that the network collected money through begging in Saudi Arabia and transferred the funds via hawala/hundi systems to an agent based in Canada.
During interrogation, the suspects also identified a facilitator, Iftikhar alias “Wakeel,” who allegedly arranged for individuals to be sent to different countries for begging. Investigators have also traced a bank account used for financial transactions linked to the network.
Authorities reported that receipts and voice notes were recovered from the suspects’ mobile phones. Both individuals have been taken into custody and handed over to the Anti-Human Trafficking Circle (AHTC) in Karachi for further investigation, which is currently ongoing.
