FIA Launches Cryptocurrency Investigation Unit to Strengthen Digital Crime Investigations

In a significant move to strengthen Pakistan’s digital financial security framework, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has established a dedicated Cryptocurrency Investigation Unit within its newly operational National Command and Control Centre (NC3). The initiative is aimed at detecting and investigating the misuse of virtual assets in money laundering, terrorism financing, cybercrime, and other financial offences.

The development comes as Pakistan continues to build its regulatory and enforcement framework for digital assets following the establishment of the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA).

FIA’s New Crypto Unit to Focus on Criminal Investigations

Speaking about the initiative, FIA Counter-Terrorism Wing Director Dr. Muhammad Athar Waheed said the new unit will investigate the criminal use of cryptocurrencies rather than regulate the digital asset industry.

He clarified that PVARA remains the country’s primary regulator for virtual assets, while the FIA’s role is to identify and investigate cases where cryptocurrencies are used for illegal activities, including money laundering, terrorism financing, cyber-enabled fraud, and organized crime.

Dr. Waheed also recommended that the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) and the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) establish similar specialized cryptocurrency investigation units to combat the growing use of digital assets in cybercrime and drug trafficking.

He further revealed that the FIA is introducing new procedures to ensure investigations are completed within defined timelines as part of broader institutional reforms.

NC3 Becomes FIA’s Central Digital Operations Hub

The Cryptocurrency Investigation Unit is one of several specialized divisions operating under the FIA’s newly established National Command and Control Centre (NC3).

According to FIA officials, NC3 serves as a centralized platform for intelligence sharing, operational coordination, and nationwide monitoring across various law enforcement functions.

The facility integrates multiple operational systems, including:

• Immigration Monitoring Unit
• Integrated Border Management System (IBMS)
• Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Desk
• Risk Analysis Unit
• Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Unit
• Interpol Coordination Desk
• Case Management System (CMS)

Officials say the centre enables real-time monitoring of investigations and strengthens coordination among different FIA formations across the country.

Advanced Cyber and Digital Intelligence Capabilities

Beyond cryptocurrency investigations, NC3 incorporates several advanced digital intelligence capabilities designed to combat emerging cyber threats.

These include:

• Open Source Intelligence (OSINT)
• Cyber patrolling units
• Dark web investigation teams
• Cellular detection capabilities
• Technical intelligence analysis

The FIA says these technologies will help identify cyber-enabled crimes, financial fraud, transnational criminal networks, and suspicious digital activities more effectively.

The centre also operates a 24/7 public helpline, a complaint management system, and an overseas complaints cell to improve citizen services and provide faster responses to complaints.

FIA Expands Enforcement and International Cooperation

The agency is simultaneously strengthening its operational capacity by introducing Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) teams to support high-risk operations and increasing its vehicle fleet.

To enhance cross-border investigations, the FIA has also created the position of International Coordination Director, aimed at improving collaboration with foreign law enforcement agencies. Officials further disclosed that recruitment for approximately 1,300 new FIA personnel is currently underway, with additional hiring expected in the coming months.

Human Trafficking Crackdown Continues

Alongside financial crime reforms, the FIA highlighted progress in its campaign against human trafficking.

According to agency officials, more than 300 First Information Reports (FIRs) related to human trafficking have been registered over the past two years, leading to the arrest of 258 suspected agents involved in organized smuggling networks. The agency believes its enforcement efforts have contributed to a decline in deadly illegal migration incidents, including boat tragedies involving Pakistani migrants.

What This Means for Pakistan’s Digital Economy

The creation of a dedicated cryptocurrency investigation unit reflects Pakistan’s evolving approach to digital assets. While regulators work to establish a legal framework for cryptocurrencies through PVARA, law enforcement agencies are simultaneously enhancing their ability to investigate crypto-related financial crimes.

For the country’s growing fintech and blockchain ecosystem, the move signals a dual-track strategy, encouraging legitimate digital asset innovation while strengthening oversight against illicit financial activity. As cryptocurrency adoption expands globally, specialized investigative capabilities are likely to become an increasingly important component of Pakistan’s digital financial infrastructure.