The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested the chief executive officer of an Islamabad-based visa consultancy over an alleged UK student visa fraud case. The agency also recovered Rs1.6 million, which officials said was the full amount paid by the complainant.
The FIA’s Anti-Human Trafficking Circle in Islamabad arrested Wasil Azad, CEO and owner of IEIS Consultants, from Bahria Town Phase 7. A case was registered under Sections 18 and 22 of the Emigration Ordinance, 1979, along with Sections 420, 506 and 109 of the Pakistan Penal Code.
According to the investigation, Azad allegedly worked with two directors, Salman and Zulqarnain, and a visa consultant identified as Sadia. The case involves a UK student visa application for the wife of complainant Muhammad Zahid.
Officials said £4,000 was paid in May 2025 through an online payment link for Teesside University on the suspects’ instructions. However, the required visa application and documents were allegedly not submitted before the deadline. The applicant consequently could not travel to the UK, and the payment was lost.
The complainant later sought a refund and allegedly faced threats. The FIA said the roles of the other suspects will be determined as the investigation continues.
