The Anti-Money Laundering Circle of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Lahore has escalated its efforts to bring Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Moonis Elahi to justice in a money laundering and corruption case. Seeking international cooperation, the FIA has approached its headquarters in Islamabad to issue a red notice through the International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol).
Having completed the necessary legal procedures to apprehend Moonis Elahi, son of PTI president Chauhdry Pavez Elahi, abroad and repatriate him to Pakistan, the FIA has formally requested approval from the Ministry of Interior (MoI). The agency has lodged an FIR (First Information Report) against Moonis on charges of money laundering and corruption, with the investigation ongoing. Despite repeated reminders, Moonis has failed to join the investigation, leading to a permanent arrest warrant issued by a Special Judge Central Lahore.
FIA Lahore Director Sarfaraz Khan Virk has forwarded recommendations, along with the complete case history and a detailed red notice application, to the Additional Director General FIA. The agency states in its recommendations that Moonis fled to Spain on December 28, 2022, via Flight No VIP755, leading to a perpetual warrant issued on January 18, 2024. Approval from the Interior Ministry is now sought to effect the accused’s arrest from abroad.
A senior FIA officer affirmed that all processes for the red notice are complete. Pending ministry approval, the FIA headquarters will submit a formal request to Interpol to issue the red notice for Moonis’s arrest. The officer anticipates an extension of the investigation process upon the PTI leader’s return.
In related news, the Federal Investigation Agency has welcomed its new Director General, Ahmed Ishaq Jahangir, formerly Additional IG of the Police Service. Expressing commitment to combat human trafficking and cybercrime, Jahangir emphasized a zero-tolerance policy against corruption and vowed strict legal action against those disseminating fake, objectionable, and hateful content on social media.
After a ceremonial welcome by the FIA armed forces, Jahangir visited the martyrs’ memorial and later held a meeting with heads of various departments and senior officers. Issuing orders to prioritize the professional training of investigation and senior officers, the DG emphasized the importance of honesty, duty, law enforcement, and urgent measures to enhance public service delivery.
