Prime suspect Sheikh Saifuddin Arifi arrested in U.S. visa fraud case

2026-03-02 - 20:14

The Anti-Human Trafficking Circle (AHTC) Islamabad of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested the principal suspect, Sheikh Syed Saifuddin Arifi, son of Hafiz Muhammad Aslam, also known as Usman Gilani/Pir Sahib, for his alleged involvement in a large-scale U.S. visa fraud scheme. The suspect was taken into custody after his bail was revoked on the orders of the Special Judge Central, Islamabad. The action follows a formal referral received from the U.S. Embassy Islamabad, which flagged suspicious visa applications supported by forged documents. According to FIA officials, the accused, along with his accomplices, allegedly attempted to send multiple applicants to the United States by providing fake invitation letters for a purported event titled “Festival of Sufi Wisdom.” The investigation revealed that forged documents, including fabricated letters purportedly issued by Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other supporting paperwork, were submitted with visa applications to mislead U.S. authorities. Preliminary findings suggest that the suspect deceived innocent citizens by promising them U.S. visit visas in exchange for hefty sums of money. Victims reportedly paid millions of rupees, with some agreements ranging between Rs. 45 million and Rs. 70 million. Authorities stated that the accused projected himself as an influential personality, claiming close ties to a prominent religious family of Golra Sharif and presenting himself as a government employee to gain the trust of applicants. Investigators further disclosed that in 2023 and 2024, the suspect claimed to have arranged travel for two separate groups of 12 individuals each. He allegedly worked in collusion with other agents to prepare fake DS-160 forms, counterfeit invitation letters, and provide rehearsed interview guidance to applicants seeking U.S. visas.