Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency has established a dedicated unit to address crypto-related crimes, potentially impacting the country’s burgeoning cryptocurrency market and international regula
In a move aimed at tightening control over digital assets within its borders, Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has created a specialized investigative unit focused on probing cases involving cybercrime and financial fraud linked to cryptocurrencies. This development follows the establishment of Pakistan’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA) in July 2025.
The new crypto crime-focused unit is part of an ongoing effort by Pakistani authorities to regulate and monitor digital asset activities, which have grown significantly over recent years. According to Bilal Bin Saqib, who chairs the PVARA, Pakistan ranks as the world’s third-largest market for retail cryptocurrency activity, with former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao predicting that the country could become a global leader in crypto by 2030.
The creation of this dedicated unit comes at a time when regulatory bodies worldwide are grappling with how to manage and oversee cryptocurrencies. Pakistan's approach is one among several countries implementing more stringent measures, as evidenced by similar initiatives elsewhere. For instance, the U.S. has seen increased enforcement actions against crypto-related crimes over recent months.
Pakistan’s FIA unit will work alongside PVARA in investigating cryptocurrency use in criminal activities, while maintaining their respective roles in regulation and licensing of exchanges. The establishment of such units reflects a growing trend among governments to address the legal and regulatory challenges posed by cryptocurrencies.
The implications for traders and investors are significant. Increased scrutiny could lead to stricter regulations that might affect trading volumes and market liquidity. Additionally, Pakistan’s move may influence other countries considering similar measures, potentially reshaping global crypto landscapes in the coming years.
Traders should closely monitor developments related to this new unit as well as ongoing regulatory actions by PVARA. Understanding these changes could provide insights into potential risks or opportunities within the Pakistani cryptocurrency market.
Source: Cointelegraph. Summarized and rewritten by the Vexoda Newsroom. This is market news, not financial advice.