NCCIA arrests 114 foreigners over alleged cyber-romance, sextortion network

The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) in Islamabad has arrested 114 foreign nationals as part of an investigation into a cyber-romance and sextortion network. Among those detained are 111 Chinese citizens and three Vietnamese nationals, all allegedly connected to an IT business within the capital. The agency claims the accused network used electronic means and online platforms to target individuals across multiple countries.

The network allegedly lured foreign nationals into engaging in sexual conversations, including video chats and explicit video calls, with the ultimate goal of exploiting the material for criminal and financial gain. The investigation uncovered links to organized cybercrime activities, including financial fraud related to cyber-romance schemes.

NCCIA officials have registered the case under various sections of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) 2016 and Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), including Section 14 which deals with electronic fraud, and Section 21 which addresses offences against a person's modesty, such as sexual blackmail and revenge porn. Punishments for these offenses range from up to two years' imprisonment and a fine of Rs10 million under Section 14, to up to five years' imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs5 million under Section 21, with more severe penalties if the victim is a minor.

The agency also invoked Sections 419 and 420 of the PPC, which cover cheating by personation and financial fraud, respectively, and Sections 34 and 109 which deal with common intention and abetment, holding all members of the network liable. Further investigation is ongoing to determine the full extent of the accused individuals' roles, identify additional victims and beneficiaries, and trace the financial and digital infrastructure used in the alleged activities.

The NCCIA has released a list of the detained individuals, including their passport numbers, as part of the ongoing investigation.