Pakistan Establishes Digital Asset Crime Unit as Crypto Framework Expands

The new FIA unit will investigate crypto-related money laundering and illicit finance as Pakistan moves to formalize its digital asset sector.

Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has established a specialized unit focused on investigating digital asset-related crimes, adding an enforcement layer to the country’s rapidly developing cryptocurrency framework.

The new unit, established under the FIA’s National Command and Control Centre, will investigate the use of digital assets in activities including money laundering and terrorism financing, according to local media reports.

Muhammad Athar Waheed, director of the FIA’s counter-terrorism wing, said the unit will focus on addressing criminal activity involving cryptocurrencies as adoption of digital assets increases in Pakistan.

The initiative will operate alongside the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA), the country’s dedicated regulator responsible for overseeing the digital asset sector, including licensing and supervision of virtual asset service providers.

Pakistan Builds Crypto Enforcement Infrastructure

The creation of the FIA unit reflects a broader shift in Pakistan’s approach to digital assets, as authorities move beyond establishing regulatory frameworks toward strengthening compliance and enforcement mechanisms.

Waheed also suggested that other agencies, including the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency and the Anti-Narcotics Force, establish dedicated teams to investigate the use of digital assets in cybercrime and illicit financial activity.

The move comes as governments globally increase their focus on preventing misuse of cryptocurrencies while developing clearer frameworks for legitimate digital asset activity.

From Crypto Regulation to Digital Asset Expansion

Pakistan has accelerated efforts to formalize its digital asset market over the past year.

In March, the country passed the Virtual Assets Act, establishing PVARA as a permanent federal regulator with authority to oversee the licensing of cryptocurrency exchanges, custodians and token issuers.

Since then, PVARA has moved forward with licensing initiatives involving major global exchanges, including Binance and HTX, as Pakistan seeks to bring digital asset activity into a regulated environment.

PVARA Chairman Bilal bin Saqib has also outlined plans for broader digital asset initiatives, including the potential launch of a sovereign stablecoin.

The government has previously announced plans to establish a state-held Bitcoin reserve and allocated 2,000 megawatts of electricity for Bitcoin mining and artificial intelligence data centers.

Balancing Crypto Adoption With Financial Controls

Pakistan’s latest move highlights a growing trend among governments exploring digital assets: building regulatory and enforcement infrastructure alongside market development.

As the country seeks to position itself as a participant in the global digital asset economy, authorities are attempting to address two objectives simultaneously—encouraging innovation while preventing cryptocurrencies from being used for illicit finance.

The establishment of a dedicated crypto crime investigation unit signals that Pakistan’s digital asset strategy is moving into a new phase, where regulation, compliance and enforcement are becoming central components of market growth.