KARACHI: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested five more suspects, including a former Customs Collector, in connection with the high-profile theft and alleged smuggling of 400 kilograms of silver from the Customs Department.
According to an FIA spokesperson, the case first came to light in April this year, when authorities discovered that 400 kilograms of confiscated silver had allegedly been replaced with lead.
The FIA launched an investigation using advanced digital forensic techniques and intelligence-based methods. After completing the inquiry, the agency registered a criminal case related to the theft and alleged smuggling of the silver.
The investigation found that one-kilogram bars of pure silver were allegedly replaced with counterfeit lead bars, allowing the valuable metal to be removed while attempting to conceal the theft.
The FIA spokesperson confirmed that among the latest arrests is former Customs Collector Dr. Karam Elahi, along with four other suspects allegedly linked to the case.
Earlier in the investigation, authorities had already arrested two Customs Preventive officers, Arif Ali and Samiullah.
During those arrests, investigators recovered 214 kilograms of the stolen silver as well as Rs4.9 million in cash, which officials believe is connected to the alleged crime.
The FIA said investigations are continuing to determine the full scope of the operation and identify all those involved.
According to the spokesperson, efforts are currently underway to arrest additional absconding suspects, including two customs inspectors and other individuals allegedly connected to the case.
The agency has stated that it will continue pursuing all those involved and complete the investigation in accordance with the law. The case is considered one of the most significant alleged thefts involving confiscated precious metals in recent years, with investigators relying on forensic analysis and intelligence to trace the movement of the stolen silver and uncover the broader network allegedly involved.
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