LAHORE: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Lahore has decided, in principle, to investigate the bank accounts of sugar mill owners and the ‘satta mafia’ in the sugar industry after it found ‘irrefutable evidences’ that these elements have pocketed nearly Rs 110 billion during the recent sugar crisis in the country. Sources in the FIA told Business Recorder on Wednesday that the ‘satta mafia’ in the sugar industry with the alleged connivance of sugar millers succeeded in increasing the price of sugar from Rs 70 to Rs 90 per kilogram last year. This time, too, the mafia is again lobbying to create an artificial demand and ‘significantly’ increase the sugar prices before the holy month of Ramazan, they claimed.

The sources further alleged that the agency during its ongoing investigation against the sugar mafia in light of the sugar commission report has traced some ‘accounts’ which the satta mafia created to park its black money. The sources said, more than 20 teams have been constituted which would not only ensure registration of FIRs against both the millers and the satta mafia but will also ensure arrests of suspected persons, if needed.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2021