Dozens arrested as NCCIA intensifies ‘cyber crackdown’

Dozens of individuals accused of international fraud, bank fraud, and online exploitation have been apprehended across Pakistan as the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) intensifies its nationwide operations against cybercrime, according to authorities. The crackdown, directed by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, is being supervised by NCCIA Director General Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi, who has implemented a zero-tolerance policy against cybercrime.

In Karachi, the NCCIA raided an illegal scam call center known as Callion and arrested 33 suspects. These individuals were allegedly involved in stealing data from foreign nationals and committing bank fraud. Law enforcement seized laptops, mobile phones, and other digital evidence from the scene, expanding the scope of their investigation.

In Lahore, 17 women were arrested for allegedly operating a honey-trap call center. These women allegedly contacted men through online platforms, built relationships with them, and then engaged in inappropriate conversations to exploit victims financially. The NCCIA recovered 35 mobile phones and two laptops belonging to the suspects.

Additionally, in Islamabad, a man named Ali Haider Jahangir was apprehended for online investment fraud. He allegedly defrauded a citizen of Rs10.4 million by promising investment opportunities, only to fail to deliver on his promises.

NCCIA officials emphasized that those exploiting innocent citizens will face no leniency and that the agency remains committed to eradicating cybercrime, promoting cybersecurity, and raising public awareness. They advised the public to avoid engaging with unknown links, fake calls, messages, and investment lures, as well as refraining from sharing personal or financial information with unverified sources.