FIA Arrests Islamabad-Based Consultancy CEO for Alleged Rs. 1.6 Million UK Student Visa Scam

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) in Islamabad has apprehended the CEO of a private consultancy firm, Wasil Azad, for allegedly orchestrating a fraudulent scheme to defraud a woman seeking a UK student visa. Azad, the CEO and owner of IEIS Consultants, was arrested from his residence in Phase 7 of a private housing society, accompanied by the recovery of Rs.

1.6 million from his victim. The FIA filed a case against Azad in February 2026 under specific sections of the Emigration Ordinance 1979 and the Pakistan Penal Code, including Sections 18, 22, 420, 506, and 109. It is alleged that Azad collaborated with his associates, including directors Salman and Zulqarnain, and a visa consultant named Saadia, in the processing of the victim's wife's visa application for the UK.

The complainant reportedly transferred £4,000 through Teesside University's online payment system in May 2025 based on Azad's instructions, but the scheme fell through as Azad failed to submit the required documentation on time, leaving the applicant unable to travel to the UK and resulting in the loss of the funds. The suspects allegedly threatened the complainant when he repeatedly requested a refund. The roles of the other suspects will be determined as the investigation progresses.