ISLAMABAD: The Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) Anti-Corruption Circle Islamabad has busted a network allegedly involved in the preparation and use of fake apostille stickers in connivance with officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA).

According to the FIA Islamabad Zone, the Anti-Corruption Circle carried out raids on multiple consultancy and courier offices in the basement of F&F Plaza, Aabpara, on the basis of credible information and unearthed a network allegedly involved in the preparation, delivery and use of fake apostille stickers, official seals and documents.

A case has been registered against 22 accused under Sections 420, 468, 471 and 109 of the Pakistan Penal Code, read with Section 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947.

The investigation revealed that owners and employees of consultancy and courier firms, including Sophie Consultants, Excellent Courier Service, Leopard Courier Services at F&F Plaza, RAAK Consultancy, Noon Consultants (Pvt) Ltd, GM Consultants and Fair Line Service, were allegedly involved in the network.

Six ministry officials, 16 private individuals nominated

A total of 16 private individuals have been nominated in the case, along with six officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including officials dealing with attestation and apostille matters.

According to the FIA, the accused collected large sums from applicants on the pretext of expediting apostille and attestation services and allegedly bribed MoFA officials.

The agency said fake apostille stickers had been circulating at various locations across the country, potentially causing losses to the national exchequer.

A court has granted three-day physical remand of the arrested accused. The investigation is being conducted by Inspector Arsalan Masood Khan.

Published in Dawn, September 21st, 2026