National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has intensified its operations against cybercrime in Lahore, taking 281 individuals into custody during action against seven illegal call centres allegedly linked to suspected financial fraud, online harassment, and honey trapping activities. According to NCCIA Lahore Zone Additional Director Atif Ameer, the operations were carried out over the past week as part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to address cyber enabled crimes and disrupt unlawful digital operations. Speaking during a press conference in Lahore, he stated that NCCIA would continue its campaign against illegal call centres and would not allow such facilities to operate in the city. The individuals taken into custody include 260 Pakistani nationals, 21 foreign nationals, and 20 women. Among the foreign nationals were 12 Chinese citizens, five Filipinos, two Vietnamese citizens, one Malaysian, and one Nepalese citizen.
During the operations, NCCIA recovered a large quantity of digital equipment believed to be relevant to ongoing investigations. The seized items included 362 mobile phones, 191 computer systems, 74 laptops, 127 additional digital devices, and 550 SIM cards. According to the agency, all recovered equipment has been sent for forensic examination to assist investigators in establishing facts and collecting digital evidence. Atif Ameer said the call centres under investigation were allegedly associated with financial fraud, online harassment, and honey trapping schemes. He added that action concerning foreign nationals connected to cybercrime investigations would also continue in accordance with applicable legal procedures. The forensic analysis of digital devices is expected to support investigators in understanding the scope of the alleged activities while preserving evidence for legal proceedings.
The additional director also shared details of NCCIA’s ongoing efforts to address online offences involving children. He stated that three individuals were taken into custody during the previous week in separate child exploitation related investigations. To strengthen its investigative capabilities, NCCIA is working with artificial intelligence institutions and has signed agreements with international AI organizations to improve the detection and investigation of online offences involving children. He explained that AI assisted analysis contributed to identifying a suspect in Gujranwala, enabling investigators to locate the individual and proceed with legal action. Alongside these efforts, NCCIA continues to investigate cases involving online harassment, blackmail, and the unauthorized circulation of private photographs and videos through digital platforms.
Addressing financial crime investigations, Atif Ameer said NCCIA is examining fraudulent transactions involving mobile wallets and bank accounts. He noted that the agency had recovered Rs19,246,240 in connection with five financial fraud cases and 10 related inquiries. He further stated that NCCIA has also been assigned responsibilities relating to anti money laundering while its operational capabilities continue to be strengthened to address evolving cyber threats. To improve public access to its services, NCCIA Lahore Zone has introduced an open court initiative three days each week, allowing citizens to present complaints directly before agency officials. Responding to a question regarding Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Rizwan, Atif Ameer clarified that the purpose of contacting him was to obtain his mobile phone for forensic examination as part of an ongoing inquiry. He said the device had been provided voluntarily and that relevant findings would become clear once the forensic examination is completed.
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