The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has established a cryptocurrency investigation unit to prevent money laundering and terrorism financing through virtual currency transactions. This unit is located within the FIA’s newly operational National Command and Control Centre (NC3).
FIA Counter-Terrorism Wing Director Dr Muhammad Athar Waheed stated that the unit will focus on investigating the criminal use of cryptocurrency. He noted that the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA) is responsible for regulating digital assets, while the FIA unit will target criminal activities involving these assets.
Dr Waheed urged the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) and the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) to establish similar units to combat cryptocurrency-related cybercrime and drug trafficking. He highlighted that new rules are being drafted to ensure the timely completion of inquiries related to cryptocurrency crimes.
The NC3 includes various units for monitoring financial crimes, including anti-money laundering and virtual currency investigation desks. Pakistan ranked third in the Chainalysis 2025 Global Crypto Adoption Index.
Additionally, Pakistan lifted an eight-year banking ban on cryptocurrency services in 2026, allowing banks to provide crypto services following the enactment of the Virtual Assets Act. Over the past two years, more than 300 human trafficking cases were registered in Pakistan, resulting in the arrest of 258 agents.
The FIA has formed special weapons and tactics (SWAT) teams to protect its investigators. Recruitment efforts for around 1,300 officials for the FIA are currently underway.
