Fake apostille network busted

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Islamabad Zone claimed on Sunday to have busted an alleged network involved in preparing and using fake apostille stickers and official stamps, booking 22 suspects, including six officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), following a raid in Aabpara. An FIA official said the Anti-Corruption Circle (ACC) Islamabad conducted raids at several consultancy and courier offices operating from the basement of F&F Plaza, Aabpara, following information received from reliable sources. The official said case No 48/2026 had been registered against 22 suspects under Sections 420, 468, 471 and 109 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), read with Section 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947. According to the FIA, the investigation identified 16 private suspects linked to Sofi Consultants, Excellent Courier Service (ECS), Leopards Courier Services at F&F Plaza, RAAK Consultancy, Noon Consultants (Pvt) Ltd, GM Consultants and Fair Line Service. The case also names six MOFA officials, including those associated with attestation and apostille services, over their alleged role in the network.