Pakistan Establishes Dedicated FIA Unit to Investigate Crypto Crime

Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency established a dedicated investigative unit to probe cases involving cybercrime and financial fraud linked to cryptocurrency, Dawn news reported Tuesday. The unit will investigate digital asset use in crimes, while Pakistan's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA) continues its responsibility for digital asset regulation. The development follows the creation of PVARA in July 2025, marking Pakistan's ongoing effort to address crypto-related criminal activity within a regulatory framework.

FIA Director Recommends Interagency Crypto Crime Units

FIA Counter-Terrorism Wing Director Muhammad Athar Waheed recommended other agencies in the country establish similar units to address crypto-related crime. The recommendation reflects the government's recognition of cryptocurrency's role in criminal investigations across multiple enforcement agencies.

Pakistan Ranks Third in Global Retail Crypto Activity, Approves Major Exchange Licenses

Bilal Bin Saqib, who chairs PVARA, said in December 2025 that Pakistan ranked as the world's third-largest crypto market by retail activity. Former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao said at the same event that, based on Pakistan's crypto regulation and adoption, the country could become a world leader in the industry by 2030. PVARA has already approved licenses for major exchanges, including Binance and HTX. Cointelegraph reached out to the FIA for comment on the crypto unit but did not receive an immediate response.

FAQ

What did Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency establish on Tuesday? Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency established a dedicated investigative unit to probe cases involving cybercrime and financial fraud linked to cryptocurrency, as reported by Dawn news on Tuesday.

What is the division of responsibilities between the FIA crypto unit and PVARA? The FIA crypto investigation unit will probe digital asset use in crimes, while Pakistan's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA) continues to be responsible for digital asset regulation.

Which major crypto exchanges received license approvals from PVARA? PVARA has already approved licenses for major exchanges, including Binance and HTX.