Pakistani authorities have arrested 254 individuals in a sweeping operation targeting large-scale online frauds backed by cryptocurrency channels. The crackdown focused on 54 illegal call centres operating across major cities including Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, and Peshawar. These centres were found using social engineering tactics to lure victims through fake social media identities, primarily on Facebook and Instagram, before siphoning off funds that were swiftly converted into cryptocurrency to avoid detection.
The operation was led by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) and its findings were disclosed during a session of the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication. Officials explained that these illegal setups mimicked legitimate business operations, often hosting 300 to 400 employees in office-like environments. Their primary method of fraud involved creating fake profiles, mostly of women, to build rapport with potential victims online. Once trust was established, the victims were invited to join Telegram groups where they were offered fraudulent investment schemes promising high returns.
As soon as funds were deposited by unsuspecting individuals, the money was converted into cryptocurrency and transferred to anonymous wallets abroad. This mechanism not only made it difficult for local law enforcement to trace the transactions but also highlighted the growing use of digital assets in evading regulatory oversight. Officials emphasized that cryptocurrency has become a significant hurdle in cybercrime investigations due to its decentralized and cross-border nature.
Islamabad witnessed the highest number of call centre busts, with several operations also uncovered in other urban centres. These fraudulent setups maintained an appearance of credibility through fake business registrations, websites, and social media channels. Most were unregistered entities lacking any formal documentation, yet appeared professional enough to deceive the public.
During the Senate briefing, lawmakers voiced strong concern over the scale of the scam and called for urgent legislative and regulatory measures. They urged the Ministry of IT to initiate collaboration with international cryptocurrency platforms to prevent unmonitored transfers. Senator Dr. Mohammad Humayun Mohmand proposed the creation of a national digital fraud database and more stringent controls over social media-based scams to address the gap in cyber oversight.
Officials also reported that many of those involved in operating the call centres were young and tech-literate individuals attracted by the promise of quick earnings with little accountability. The investigation underscores how vulnerable populations are being exploited through digital tools in the absence of effective public awareness and regulatory enforcement.
The NCCIA is now advising citizens to exercise extreme caution when approached online by unknown individuals, particularly in relation to financial matters. Authorities stress the importance of verifying identities, avoiding unverified investment offers, and reporting suspicious activity to cybercrime units. As digital platforms continue to evolve, the agency emphasized that public vigilance and stronger collaboration between government bodies and technology platforms will be key to curbing such crimes.
