The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested the leader of a human trafficking ring involved in sending beggars to Saudi Arabia, a spokesperson confirmed.

In a raid conducted in Chak 216, Faisalabad, FIA’s Composite Circle apprehended Mohammad Ghafoor, the alleged mastermind behind the organized begging network.

According to FIA, the gang lured women by falsely promising them a free Umrah pilgrimage but later forced them into begging. The accused, along with his accomplices, had smuggled five women to Saudi Arabia and demanded Rs. 500,000 as ransom from each victim’s family for their return.

Authorities seized a mobile phone and other crucial evidence from the suspect. FIA has launched further raids to arrest his accomplices.