3.1.2. Federal Investigative Agency (FIA)

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) describes itself as a ‘border control, criminal investigation, counter-intelligence and security agency’ under the MoI.199 Created in 1975 under the FIA Act 1974,200 the FIA is tasked with handling complex criminal cases requiring a response at federal level, including cases of a cross-regional or international nature.201 The FIA’s responsibilities include fighting terrorism, espionage, human trafficking, illegal immigration, and corruption.202 The FIA is empowered to conduct arrests, seize assets, and present legal cases before special courts.203 It comprises a number of separate specialised departments,204 including the Counter Terrorism Wing (CTW) whose work includes handling cases related to terrorism (including cyber terrorism), blasphemy and espionage.205 Amongst others, during the reference period, there were reports of FIA members arresting media professionals206 and torturing and temporarily detaining individuals and their family members.207