AMU Homeland Security Intelligence Legislation Middle East

Pakistani Agents Charged with Conspiracy in Washington

By William Tucker

Federal agents of the FBI arrested two D.C. area businessmen today on charges related to conspiracy and failing to register as foreign agents. Syed Ghulam Nabi Fai and Zaheer Ahmad, both U.S. citizens, worked for the Kashmiri American Council in Washington. The Council lobbies the U.S. as a means to influence policy on the Kashmir issue from the Pakistani point of view. According to federal prosecutors, the Council received over 4 million dollars from the Pakistani government since the late 90’s. Some of these funds were diverted to U.S. political campaigns. Although reports concerning agents of influence are rare, they still exist. Not all cases involving intelligence operations run against the U.S. involve theft of classified material or technology. This case is a good example of running an intelligence operation to gain political influence throughout the target government.

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