Burney stands accused, as per the FIA, of engaging in human trafficking activities, including the illicit smuggling and unauthorized placement of children in the United States.
The agency alleges that Burney facilitated the trafficking of over 25 children to the US, arranging for their adoption through fraudulent means. Furthermore, he is accused of involvement in forgery and falsification of documents, as stated by the FIA.
Consequently, the charges of child trafficking prompted an investigation against the social worker. The FIA’s investigating officer sought Burney’s physical remand to probe the matter further.
Representing Burney in court, lawyer Syed Asif Ali requested time for the social worker’s legal team to assemble, to which the court granted a 15-minute recess, adjourning the case temporarily.
“Initially, there were reports that Sarim Burney was being taken to the Malir court. Our legal team had gone there,” Ali informed the court, urging for some respite.
Earlier today, the FIA disclosed that Burney had confessed to “wrongdoing” in the human trafficking case upon interrogation following his arrest.
“Sarim Burney was questioned twice, during which he admitted to his initial statement,” officials stated.
Burney, renowned for his Sarim Burney Welfare Trust International, a nonprofit organization, was detained in Karachi after arriving from the United States, based on a complaint filed by American authorities.
The FIA revealed that Burney had been under scrutiny by US authorities during his recent visit. Geo News was informed by FIA officials that US authorities are conducting their own investigation into Burney’s alleged involvement in child trafficking.
After registering a case in its human trafficking cell against Burney, the FIA confirmed that more cases related to child trafficking and money laundering would follow.
Meanwhile, sources informed Geo News that embassy records provided to FIA authorities revealed the details of children transported to the US.
In the ongoing case, Burney stands accused of smuggling a newborn girl named Haya to the US, according to the FIA.
“Among those sent to the US, more than 15 are girls,” revealed agency officials.
Burney purportedly purchased the baby girl from her parents for Rs1 million before sending her to the US, with the assistance of multiple individuals, the FIA added.
Furthermore, the FIA has recorded statements from the infant’s impoverished parents.
According to the FIA, Burney is alleged to have facilitated the smuggling of at least 20 newborns annually for adoption in the US.
Additionally, sources indicated that Burney’s wife, Aliya, is listed as a beneficiary in the trust’s documents, potentially implicating her in the case pending confirmation by the Sindh government.
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