A senior official with Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) recommended this week that other law enforcement agencies establish their own units dedicated to crypto-related crime. The recommendation, made on July 22, 2026, aims to expand the country's capacity to investigate and prosecute offenses involving digital currencies.
A call for specialized units
The FIA official argued that other agencies should set up similar teams to handle the growing complexity of crypto-related cases. The FIA already operates a unit focused on such crimes, and the official believes replicating that model would help other agencies keep pace with the volume and technical demands of these investigations.
Why the FIA is pushing now
Crypto-related crime often crosses jurisdictional lines and requires technical expertise that traditional law enforcement may lack. The FIA's existing unit has developed methods for tracing blockchain transactions and working with exchanges. The official's recommendation suggests that without dedicated resources, smaller agencies may struggle to handle cases effectively.
The challenge of crypto crime
Digital currencies offer anonymity and speed, making them attractive for fraud, money laundering, and other illicit activities. Law enforcement agencies worldwide have been playing catch-up. In Pakistan, the FIA's push for more specialized units signals a recognition that generic policing isn't enough. The official didn't specify which agencies should act first, but the call is broad.
What comes next
No other agency has publicly announced plans to follow the FIA's lead. The recommendation is now with those agencies, and it's unclear how quickly they'll respond. For now, the FIA's existing unit continues its work, and the official's statement puts the issue squarely on the table for Pakistan's law enforcement community.
