The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Karachi has conducted an operation against a suspected illegal call centre in Karachi, resulting in the detention of 33 individuals and the recovery of laptops, mobile phones, and other equipment. The action was carried out near Hotel Metropole as part of an investigation into allegations related to misuse of personal data and suspicious activities involving foreign citizens. The agency stated that the operation was conducted following information received through a tip-off.
According to NCCIA Karachi Chief Tariq Nawaz, the agency carried out the operation at a suspected scam call centre located at Shafi Court, Civil Lines, near Metropole Hotel. He stated that the facility was allegedly involved in obtaining and using personal information of US citizens through unlawful methods. The officials said individuals associated with the centre were allegedly presenting themselves as representatives or agents of different American banks and contacting US citizens regarding financial matters. NCCIA officials stated that the individuals involved were allegedly using different methods to communicate with foreign citizens and were suspected of attempting to obtain financial information and payments through unauthorized means. During the operation, 33 individuals were taken into custody, including the alleged owners of the call centre, Ali Jesani and Wajid Riaz. The agency also recovered a significant quantity of laptops, mobile phones, and other electronic equipment believed to be connected with the activities under investigation.
Tariq Nawaz further stated that data related to US citizens was also recovered from the seized devices. The NCCIA Karachi chief said the individuals had allegedly been operating the call centre for the past seven to eight years. The recovered material and information are expected to support further investigation into the nature of the activities and the extent of any potential misuse of personal information. The agency is reviewing the collected evidence as part of the ongoing process. The NCCIA official also advised parents to remain aware of the type of employment opportunities their children pursue, particularly in areas involving suspicious online activities. He highlighted that involvement in unlawful activities could create serious challenges for individuals, including possible impacts on future career opportunities and international travel plans if legal proceedings result in official records.
The operation highlights the increasing focus of law enforcement agencies on addressing cyber-related activities involving misuse of digital platforms, personal information, and online communication channels. As businesses and individuals continue to rely on digital services, protecting personal data and ensuring responsible use of technology remain important concerns for cybersecurity authorities. In a separate incident reported in Karachi, police stated that a suspected individual was killed during an alleged encounter in Pak Colony. Police identified the deceased as Nifaz-ul-Islam and stated that he was linked to an investigation involving alleged demands for protection money from a marble factory. According to police officials, the individual and another person allegedly opened fire at the factory after a refusal to comply with the demand. The matter remains part of the relevant authorities’ investigation process.
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