FIA raids expose fake apostille scheme involving MoFA officials and private firms
The FIA’s anti-corruption unit raided consultancy and courier offices in Islamabad, uncovering a network that produced counterfeit apostille stickers with the collusion of Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials. Twenty-two suspects, including six MoFA staff and sixteen private individuals, have been charged.
Acting on reliable intelligence, the Federal Investigation Agency’s Anti-Corruption Circle conducted raids on several consultancy and courier businesses located in the basement of F&F Plaza, Aabpara, Islamabad. The operation exposed a coordinated network that manufactured counterfeit apostille stickers, official seals and related documents, allegedly with the collusion of Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials handling attestation matters.
The scheme reportedly extracted large sums from clients by promising fast-track apostille services and involved bribery of six MoFA staff members. A total of 22 people—six ministry officials and 16 private individuals linked to firms such as Sophie Consultants, Excellent Courier Service, Leopard Courier Services, RAAK Consultancy, Noon Consultants (Pvt) Ltd, GM Consultants and Fair Line Service—have been charged under sections 420, 468, 471 and 109 of the Pakistan Penal Code and the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947.
The court granted a three-day physical remand for the accused, and Inspector Arsalan Masood Khan is overseeing the investigation. The fake apostilles have been found across the country, raising concerns about potential losses to the national treasury.
Why it matters
The case reveals systemic corruption that undermines document authentication and could cost the state financially.
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