Pakistan Launches Crypto Investigation Unit to Fight Money Laundering

DECRYPT · 2026-07-21

Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency has set up a dedicated cryptocurrency investigation unit to tackle money laundering and terrorism financing carried out through digital assets. The unit sits inside the FIA's new National Command and Control Centre and will probe the criminal use of crypto, while the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority handles regulation. It marks the enforcement side of a rapid national crypto push that has included lifting a banking ban, planning exchange licences and courting Trump-linked crypto ventures. Pakistan's top federal investigators have set up a dedicated unit to police crypto-linked crime, building out the enforcement side of a national drive to embrace digital assets. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has established a cryptocurrency investigation unit in its newly operational National Command and Control Centre (NC3), targeting money laundering and terrorism financing conducted through virtual currencies, the agency's counter-terrorism chief said. FIA Counter-Terrorism Wing Director Dr Muhammad Athar Waheed told local media outlet Dawn the unit would investigate the criminal use of crypto, while the recently created Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA) remains the body responsible for regulating digital assets. He urged two other agencies—the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency and the Anti-Narcotics Force—to build similar units to counter crypto's use in cybercrime and the drug trade, and said new rules were being drafted to wrap up inquiries within fixed timeframes. The NC3 centre brings the FIA's financial-crime tools onto one platform, including anti-money laundering and virtual-currency investigation desks, an Interpol coordination point, and units for open-source intelligence, cyber patrolling and dark web investigation.

AI 시장 분석

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) of Pakistan has established a dedicated cryptocurrency investigation unit to combat money laundering and terrorism financing. This move is part of a national strategy to integrate cryptocurrencies into the institutional framework, following the lifting of a banking ban and the establishment of the Pakistan Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (PVARA). Investors expect this regulatory infrastructure to enhance market transparency and pave the way for long-term institutional capital inflows.

상승 영향

Bitcoin — The government's effort to integrate crypto into the mainstream and refine its investigative capacity will boost market confidence. By reducing the risk of illicit transactions, it creates a healthier investment environment in the long run.

하락 영향

Virtual Asset Exchanges — Strengthened anti-money laundering regulations and oversight by investigative units may increase operational costs for exchanges and raise entry barriers. Furthermore, the compliance process could limit the operational autonomy of these platforms.

DYAX 전담 분석

The Pakistani government's proactive approach to regulating digital assets marks a significant pivot from past restrictive policies. By formalizing the PVARA and establishing specialized investigative units, the country aims to align itself with global financial standards such as FATF guidelines.

While the establishment of an investigation unit addresses concerns over illegal activities, the primary goal remains to legitimize the sector, encouraging broader adoption and increasing confidence among both domestic and international investors.

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