ISLAMABAD : Staff Reporter – FIA Special Court Session Judge Shah Rukh Arjumand has ordered the arrest of Samira Bano Siddiqui after cancellation of her bail in connection with an alleged illegal UK work permit and paper marriage scam. The arrest was made in the court premises following developments in multiple cases registered against her.
According to FIA sources, Samira Bano was facing serious allegations of issuing illegal UK work permits without holding a valid Overseas Employment Promoter (OEP) license, as well as involvement in multiple paper marriages. Several FIRs have already been registered against her in different jurisdictions.
Investigations reveal that the accused allegedly posed as a British national, while in reality she neither holds UK nationality nor possesses a valid overseas employment license. FIA officials state that she had only stayed in the UK on a single work permit, which she allegedly used as a tool to deceive people by falsely promising them employment and immigration opportunities to the United Kingdom.
Millions Allegedly Defrauded
FIA sources confirm that three to four cases are currently under trial against Samira Bano, involving an estimated fraud amount ranging between PKR 20 to 30 million. Victims allege that large sums of money were collected from them in the name of securing UK work permits, but neither the promised permits were provided nor the money returned.
Investigators have also identified a company allegedly registered in Samira Bano’s name, whose bank accounts were reportedly used to receive funds from victims. Sources claim that after receiving payments, the accused would allegedly threaten complainants when they demanded refunds.
Human Trafficking Gang Sending Pakistanis to Morocco for Spain, Portugal, Italy Exposed
Key Complainants and Evidence
One prominent case on record is that of Tanveer Bhatti, who allegedly paid around PKR 7 million and was later provided with fake work permit documents. Following legal action by the complainant, Samira Bano’s name was placed on the Exit Control List (ECL).
Similarly, Ali Naeem and his father reportedly paid approximately PKR 7 million, while another complaint from Islamabad claims a fraud of PKR 8 million. FIA officials say additional victims from Gujranwala, Faisalabad, and Sahiwal have come forward, alleging that crores of rupees were extorted from them through paper marriage schemes.
Recently, a victim from Lahore has also emerged, while several complainants based in the United Kingdom have recorded their statements with FIA Islamabad.
Disturbing Revelations About Personal History
During the course of the investigation, FIA claims to have uncovered alarming details about Samira Bano’s personal history. Records show a marriage in Wazirabad in 2012, followed by a divorce in 2015. Another marriage in 2018 allegedly ended after a £20,000 fraud, after which the spouse was reportedly taken to the UK and later deported by British authorities.
Further records indicate another marriage and divorce in 2023, while the latest marriage in November 2025 in Lahore is also under scrutiny, with allegations that a substantial amount of money was taken under the pretext of facilitating travel to the UK.
Ongoing Investigation
FIA sources state that in one instance, the complainant Tanveer Bhatti was allegedly refunded and a written statement was obtained from him. However, cases of other victims remain under investigation.
The FIA has launched comprehensive inquiries into the entire network, and officials warn that more arrests may follow as the investigation progresses. Authorities believe additional victims may still come forward.
Officials have reiterated that all legal requirements will be fulfilled and those found responsible will be proceeded against strictly in accordance with the law.
