US Embassy exposes major visa fraud network in Islamabad, FIA launches crackdown

A major visa fraud network was uncovered in Islamabad after the US Embassy detected fake invitations, forged government letters and a non-existent conference during visa interviews, prompting the FIA to register a case, arrest suspects and launch a nationwide crackdown.

Islamabad, Jan. 20, 2026 — MediaBites

A sophisticated visa fraud network operating under the guise of conferences and official endorsements has been exposed in Islamabad after the US Embassy flagged suspicious documents during non-immigrant visa interviews, prompting the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to register a criminal case and make arrests.

The case surfaced when 12 Pakistani nationals appeared for non-immigrant visa interviews at the US Embassy in Islamabad. Consular officials grew suspicious after noticing that the applicants had submitted nearly identical invitation letters, conference details and supporting documents.

A closer review revealed that the documents were fabricated, including fake invitation letters, a non-existent international conference, and a forged letter falsely attributed to Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, officials said.

Following the discovery, Linda Nguyen, Assistant Regional Security Officer for Investigations at the US Embassy, filed a formal complaint, leading the FIA’s Anti-Human Trafficking Circle in Islamabad to register a First Information Report (FIR).

Fake conferences, real money

According to the FIR, the visa applicants admitted during interviews that their appointments, documentation and interview preparation were arranged by agents identified as Usman Gilani and Rab Nawaz, who allegedly charged a combined $30,000 for the services.

The investigation further revealed that the applicants were issued fake invitation letters from a company named “Art of Living,” claiming an event titled “Festival of Sufi Wisdom” would be held in the United States from Feb. 13 to 15, 2026 — an event that investigators say does not exist.

The 12 individuals named in the FIR include Bilal Hassan, Rimsha Zubair, Muhammad Asad Iqbal, Ali Raza, Owais Qamar Ranjha, Muazzam Ali, Arshman Ahmed, Waqas Aslam, Ahsan Raza, Muhammad Rehan, Mudassar Nazir Gondal and Muhammad Hussain. Their passport details have also been placed on record.

All applicants and their documents were handed over to the FIA for legal action.

Millions taken from victims

During preliminary investigations, victims told authorities that the alleged mastermind of the network is Al-Sheikh Al-Syed Saifuddin, son of Hafiz Muhammad Aslam, also known as Usman Gilani or “Pir Sahib,” a resident of Kot Momin, Sargodha district.

Investigators say Gilani portrayed himself as a person with strong international connections, luring victims with promises of US visit visas. He allegedly demanded between 2 million and 7 million Pakistani rupees per person, collecting partial or full payments from multiple applicants.

According to the FIR, Bilal Hassan paid Rs7 million, Rimsha Zubair Rs4.5 million, Muhammad Asad Iqbal Rs6 million, Ali Raza Rs5 million, while Owais Qamar Ranjha and Muazzam Ali agreed to pay Rs4.5 million each, with similar amounts charged to other victims.

The investigation indicates Gilani did not act alone. His alleged accomplices include Rab Nawaz, Muhammad Tahir Shabbir and Inam-ul-Haq Hassan, who reportedly handled different stages of the fraud, from preparing forged documents to coordinating fake conference details.

Arrests made, hunt continues

Following the US Embassy’s complaint, the FIA arrested Rab Nawaz and Muhammad Tahir Shabbir from Islamabad. FIA officials said interrogation is underway, while raids are ongoing to arrest other suspects, including the main accused, Usman Gilani.

An FIA spokesperson said investigators are also examining whether the network had previously defrauded other citizens, and whether it has links to similar groups operating in other cities or abroad.

Authorities warned that any additional individuals found involved during the investigation will also face legal action, as the case continues under the FIA’s Anti-Human Trafficking Circle in Islamabad.

The scandal has once again highlighted how fake documentation and false promises of overseas travel are being used to exploit citizens — and how enhanced scrutiny at visa interviews is increasingly exposing such networks.