Pakistan Ranks Third in Retail Crypto Activity, Launches Dedicated Crime Unit

Woofun AI reports that the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has established a dedicated investigative unit to probe cases involving cybercrime and financial fraud linked to cryptocurrency. First reported by Dawn news on Tuesday, this new entity will focus on digital asset use in crimes, while the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA) retains responsibility for digital asset regulation.

FIA Counter-Terrorism Wing Director Muhammad Athar Waheed recommended that other agencies establish similar units to address crypto-related crime. Bilal Bin Saqib, who chairs PVARA, stated in December 2025 that Pakistan ranked as the world’s third-largest crypto market by retail activity. Former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao noted at the same event that, based on current regulation and adoption, the country could become a world leader in the industry by 2030.

Woofun AI data shows that the creation of this enforcement unit follows the establishment of PVARA in July 2025. The regulator has already approved licenses for major exchanges, including Binance and HTX.

This dual-track approach separates enforcement from oversight, with the FIA handling criminal investigations while PVARA manages digital asset regulation. Such structural division aims to balance security with market growth in Pakistan.