The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has stepped up its crackdown on illegal online gambling and digital payment networks, with JazzCash closing more than 100 aggregator accounts after receiving notices from the agency, according to reports on Thursday.
TechJuice reported, citing exclusive sources, that some of the accounts were shut down directly in response to FIA directives, while others were flagged and suspended during the company’s own internal review. Sources familiar with the matter said the affected accounts were generating significant revenue, and their closure could weigh on JazzCash’s transaction volume and earnings in the coming year.
Easypaisa faced similar disruption days earlier: FIA crackdown online gambling
The development comes only days after Easypaisa faced similar disruption. As reported on October 5, transactions processed through Easypaisa’s merchant and payment intermediary channels experienced delays across six firms: SWICH, Simpaisa, ajarPay, Zero Technologies, Finza Tech, and international processor dLocal.
Easypaisa’s routine wallet services and person-to-person transfers remained functional throughout, but the episode showed that payment intermediaries are now firmly in the regulators’ line of sight.
The Rs119.93 billion gambling investigation
Both disruptions trace back to the same root cause. FIA investigations have targeted the alleged use of mobile wallets, bank accounts, and cryptocurrency channels in illegal online gambling and digital hawala networks.
In September 2026, the agency probed eight suspects linked to six gambling platforms after tracing PKR 119.93 billion ($433.5 million) in transactions. Investigators found that PKR 8.586 billion had moved through approximately 10.5 million transactions across five branchless collection accounts alone.
The six platforms were identified as U7777 Game, TD777, Game89, EPIWIN, B9 Game, and S9 Game, according to the FIA’s Faisalabad circle. The investigation also identified 11 single-member companies whose accounts were used to move funds allegedly linked to the gambling network. Investigators found indications that USDT and other cryptocurrency channels may have been used to move funds after they passed through the banking system, and that money may have been routed onward through hawala and hundi channels.
The case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act and the Pakistan Penal Code. The FIA is also examining the possible involvement of bank officials and other institutions in the transactions.
Tighter rules for payment intermediaries
Regulatory pressure extends beyond law enforcement. The State Bank of Pakistan introduced a new framework in May 2026 that imposes stricter documentation, foreign exchange compliance, and financial flow monitoring requirements on payment intermediaries and aggregators.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) blocked 46 illegal gambling and unregulated trading applications, and authorities arrested several people accused of promoting illegal gambling activities.
Taken together, these actions signal a broader crackdown on how aggregator accounts operate within Pakistan’s mobile wallet ecosystem. For JazzCash, the immediate cost is lost transaction volume and reduced aggregator revenue. For the wider fintech sector, the Easypaisa delays and JazzCash closures suggest that regulators and law enforcement now treat mobile wallet intermediaries as a frontline in the fight against illicit financial flows.
FAQs
What is an aggregator account?
An aggregator account is held by a payment intermediary that collects funds on behalf of multiple merchants or businesses through one channel. In this case, the FIA suspects such accounts were misused to route money linked to illegal online gambling and digital hawala networks.
Are routine JazzCash and Easypaisa wallet services affected?
No. Reports say the action targeted aggregator and merchant intermediary accounts, while routine wallet services and person-to-person transfers continued to work normally.
What has the State Bank done about payment intermediaries?
In May 2026, the State Bank of Pakistan introduced a framework requiring stricter documentation, foreign exchange compliance, and financial flow monitoring from payment intermediaries and aggregators.
Which apps did the PTA block?
The PTA blocked 46 illegal gambling and unregulated trading applications. Authorities have urged the public to avoid unverified platforms, which expose users to financial fraud, data theft, and gambling addiction.
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Originally reported by TechJuice.
