FIA sets up cryptocurrency investigation unit inside Pakistan’s new NC3 command centre

Pakistan has established a dedicated cryptocurrency investigation unit to combat money laundering, terrorism financing, and other digital asset-related financial crimes, marking a significant step in the country’s evolving crypto regulatory framework.

The new unit, created by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), will operate under the National Command and Control Centre (NC3) and focus on investigating criminal activity involving cryptocurrencies.

The move comes as Pakistan accelerates efforts to formalize its digital asset ecosystem through exchange licensing, blockchain initiatives, and institutional adoption.

Pakistan strengthens crypto enforcement

The newly established Cryptocurrency Investigation Unit reflects Pakistan’s strategy of building a comprehensive digital asset framework that balances innovation with enforcement.

According to FIA officials, the specialized team will investigate cryptocurrency-related money laundering, terrorism financing, cybercrime, and financial fraud while monitoring suspicious transactions involving virtual assets.

Authorities said investigations will rely on advanced technology and international best practices to improve the country’s ability to detect illicit blockchain activity.

The unit has been established following directives from the FIA Director General as Pakistan seeks to strengthen confidence in its rapidly growing crypto market.

Rather than acting as a financial regulator, the investigation unit will focus exclusively on criminal misuse of digital assets, complementing the regulatory responsibilities of PVARA.

“The cryptocurrency investigation unit would probe the possible use of digital assets in crimes.” — Dr. Muhammad Athar Waheed, Director, FIA Counter-Terrorism Wing.

Crypto adoption meets stricter oversight

The launch of the enforcement unit comes at a pivotal moment for Pakistan’s crypto ambitions.

Over recent months, the country has introduced a series of reforms designed to bring virtual assets into the formal financial system.

These include establishing PVARA as the national regulator, preparing to issue crypto exchange licenses, exploring tokenized government assets, and encouraging blockchain-based financial innovation.

For crypto investors, the latest announcement suggests Pakistan is attempting to avoid a common regulatory pitfall, encouraging innovation without building sufficient enforcement capacity.

Many mature crypto jurisdictions separate regulation from criminal enforcement.

Under Pakistan’s evolving framework, PVARA will supervise licensed virtual asset service providers, while the FIA investigates illegal activities involving cryptocurrencies.

Industry observers often view this dual-track model as essential for attracting institutional participation, since investors generally seek markets where legal protections exist alongside regulatory clarity.

“Special measures would be introduced to prevent the misuse of cryptocurrency.” — Federal Investigation Agency officials, as reported by The News.

Global pressure drives stronger anti-money laundering measures

Pakistan’s move also aligns with broader international efforts to strengthen anti-money laundering (AML) controls across the cryptocurrency industry.

Earlier this month, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) warned that organized criminal groups continue to exploit digital assets and regulatory gaps to move billions of dollars globally.

The watchdog urged governments to improve oversight, strengthen investigations, and enhance cooperation between regulators and law enforcement agencies.

The establishment of Pakistan’s investigation unit demonstrates how governments are increasingly recognizing that crypto regulation extends beyond licensing exchanges.

Effective enforcement against illicit finance has become a central pillar of digital asset policy worldwide.

Dr. Muhammad Athar Waheed also suggested that additional agencies, including the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) and the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF).

What the development means for crypto investors

While increased enforcement may initially appear restrictive, many market participants view stronger compliance infrastructure as a positive long-term signal.

Institutional investors generally favor jurisdictions that combine regulatory certainty with effective enforcement against financial crime.

Robust AML measures can improve market credibility, reduce systemic risks, and support relationships between crypto firms and traditional financial institutions.

Pakistan remains one of the world’s most active retail crypto markets, and authorities have continued expanding their digital asset strategy despite ongoing debates surrounding cryptocurrency regulation and Shariah compliance.

Recent initiatives, including exchange licensing, blockchain partnerships, and digital finance reforms, indicate that the government is pursuing a long-term strategy rather than treating crypto as a temporary trend.

For investors, the launch of the FIA’s Cryptocurrency Investigation Unit reinforces an important message: Pakistan is not retreating from digital assets.

Instead, it is attempting to build a more mature crypto ecosystem where innovation is accompanied by stronger compliance, regulatory oversight, and enforcement against illicit activity.