LAHORE: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has expedited efforts for extradition of a Pakistani fugitive residing abroad, for his alleged involvement in transnational financial crimes and money laundering.

As per FIA officials, Umar Farooq Zahoor, who is required by authorities in Norway, Switzerland, Turkey and Pakistan since 2009-10 for allegedly committing various financial and other crimes, has been residing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

“Hectic efforts are underway to arrest Zahoor. Legal action is underway for his extradition and repatriation of his two daughters from UAE as well,” an FIA spokesperson told Dawn.

He said a special team would soon visit the UAE to follow the procedures under the directions of the Supreme Court of Pakistan.

Zahoor is accused of having crime proceeds of $12 million in Switzerland. The FIA is also investigating whether any portion of the crime proceeds of 89m kroners (Nordea Bank Fraud Oslo 2010) had been laundered to Pakistan, directly or indirectly.

The FIA is also probing as how the internationally wanted fugitive (Zahoor), against whom a red notice was issued in 2015, managed to travel to/from Pakistan with impunity 32 times (between 2017 and 2019).

The FIA recently absolved its former chief Bashir Memon of allegations of facilitating Zahoor.

“After thorough investigations, no case is made out against Bashir Memon. His explanation has been found satisfactory after he gave his defence. He is no longer required for investigation (in Zahoor’s case) ,” the FIA spokesperson said.

Published in Dawn,May 7th, 2022