Anti-Corruption Circle raids consultancy and courier offices in Islamabad; case registered over preparation and use of counterfeit stickers.
Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has dismantled an alleged network involved in the preparation, circulation and use of fake apostille stickers and official stamps, registering a case against 22 suspects that include six officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
FIA Uncovers Alleged Document Forgery Network:
The FIA’s Anti-Corruption Circle in Islamabad conducted raids on several consultancy and courier offices operating from the basement of F&F Plaza in the Aabpara area, acting on information from reliable sources. Investigators recovered materials linked to the production and distribution of counterfeit apostille stickers, forged seals and related documents.
A case numbered 48/2026 has been registered under Sections 420 (cheating), 468 (forgery for the purpose of cheating), 471 (using as genuine a forged document) and 109 (abetment) of the Pakistan Penal Code, read with Section 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947. Sixteen private individuals associated with firms including Sophie Consultants (also referred to as Sofi Consultants), Excellent Courier Service, Leopard Courier Services, RAAK Consultancy, Noon Consultants (Pvt) Ltd, GM Consultants and Fair Line Service have been nominated. Six Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials, including personnel handling attestation and apostille services, are also named in the complaint.
According to the FIA, the network allegedly charged applicants substantial sums on the pretext of expediting apostille and document attestation services. Portions of these payments were then allegedly passed on as bribes to ministry officials to facilitate the process. Fake apostille stickers are said to have circulated at various locations across the country, raising concerns about potential losses to the national exchequer and the integrity of official documents presented to foreign authorities.
FIA Investigates Fake Apostille Racket:
Apostille certification is required for many Pakistani documents-including educational certificates, birth and marriage records, and commercial papers-to be recognised abroad. The system is used extensively by citizens seeking to study, work, marry or conduct business overseas. The FIA has stated that the alleged racket undermined the official process and generated unlawful profits.
A court has granted three-day physical remand of the arrested suspects to allow further interrogation. Inspector Arslan Masood Khan has been assigned to investigate the case. The operation follows earlier media reports of irregularities in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ attestation system, which prompted Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to form a three-member inquiry committee on 18 September to examine alleged procedural lapses, the role of courier companies and possible official involvement.
The FIA continues its investigation into the full extent of the network and any further losses caused by the alleged circulation of counterfeit documents.