FIA arrests two suspects in Rs210m PASCO wheat embezzlement scandal

FAISALABAD, Jun 02 (APP): The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested two key suspects in a major corruption and wheat embezzlement case involving the alleged misappropriation of wheat worth approximately Rs210 million from Pakistan Agricultural Storage & Services Corporation (PASCO).

According to FIA authorities, the arrests were made by the FIA Composite Circle Faisalabad during an ongoing investigation into large-scale irregularities and financial losses caused to the national exchequer at PASCO’s Tandlianwala facility.

The arrested suspects were identified as Rai Abdul Kareem, Project Incharge PASCO Tandlianwala and Jameel Ahmad, a labor contractor associated with the facility. Both were taken into custody in connection with FIR No.02/2026 registered under the relevant provisions of law.

Investigators alleged that the suspects, in collusion with other accomplices, were involved in the embezzlement of wheat stocks valued at around Rs210 million.

They are also accused of mixing soil and other foreign materials with stored wheat, allegedly causing substantial financial losses to the government.

FIA officials said that the alleged fraudulent activities not only resulted in the misappropriation of public assets but also compromised the quality and integrity of strategic food reserves maintained by PASCO.

The preliminary investigations had uncovered evidence suggesting organized involvement by various individuals in the alleged corruption scheme. Actions of the accused also caused significant damage to the national treasury.

Following the arrests, legal proceedings were formally initiated against the suspects while investigators continued efforts to identify and apprehend other individuals allegedly involved in the case.

FIA officials further said that the investigation was also focused on determining full extent of the losses, tracing the misappropriated wheat stocks and recovering the financial damage caused to the government.

Further arrests are expected as the investigation progresses and additional evidence is collected regarding the alleged embezzlement and corruption network, the officials added.