The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested a Pakistani man accused of attempting to obtain asylum in Australia through a same-sex marriage arrangement.

According to Deputy Director Immigration Shehzad Akbar, the suspect, a resident of Gujranwala, was apprehended while attempting to travel to Sri Lanka. Officials said he was allegedly planning to proceed further in an effort to reach Australia and claim asylum.

FIA immigration officials stated that a search of the suspect’s mobile phone revealed material related to asylum procedures in Australia as well as references linked to same-sex relationships.

Authorities further claimed that the individual had a history of attempted illegal migration. He reportedly tried to travel to Europe via Iran in 2019 through irregular routes but was detained by Greek authorities and later deported to Turkey. In 2022, he was also deported from the Maldives.

During interrogation, the suspect allegedly admitted that he had paid 4 million rupees to an Australian citizen named Steven Christopher as part of an asylum arrangement. Officials further stated that the Australian national visited Pakistan in April 2026, where a same-sex marriage agreement was allegedly signed.

The FIA said the accused has been handed over to the Anti-Human Trafficking Circle (AHTC) in Karachi for further legal proceedings.

Authorities are continuing investigations to determine whether any wider network was involved in facilitating illegal migration or asylum-related fraud.