The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Lahore has taken action against eight suspects, including two women, in connection with an alleged fraudulent call centre operating in Township, Lahore, and targeting British citizens through deceptive telecommunications offers. The operation was conducted in Block One, Sector A-2, Township, after NCCIA officials received a tip-off and obtained a search warrant from the competent court. During the raid, investigators reportedly found the suspects allegedly involved in making fraudulent calls to individuals in the United Kingdom while posing as providers of telecommunications services. The operation resulted in the recovery of 53 digital devices, including 28 laptops, 10 desktop computers and 15 mobile phones. According to initial investigations, the call centre was running an AT&T campaign through which individuals in the UK were offered discounts on mobile phone upgrades, SIM-only packages and other telecommunications services. Investigators suspect that the offers were used as a means of obtaining financial information from potential victims and carrying out unauthorized transactions. The case is being investigated as an alleged organized telecommunications fraud operation, with the seized equipment being examined to establish the extent of the activity and identify possible financial losses.
Initial findings indicate that the suspects allegedly used dialling software to contact people abroad and present them with offers linked to telecommunications services. The campaign reportedly promoted discounts on mobile phone upgrades, SIM-only packages and other service-related deals under the AT&T name. According to investigators, the individuals making the calls allegedly sought financial information from British citizens, which was then used to carry out unauthorized transactions and obtain money through advance-fee scams. Such schemes can involve misleading individuals into believing they are purchasing legitimate services or receiving special offers, while financial details are collected through deceptive interactions. In this case, NCCIA is examining the alleged use of telecommunications promotions to gain the trust of people contacted through the call centre. The initial investigation also identified dialling software and data relating to calls made to British citizens on the devices recovered during the operation. This information is expected to assist investigators in understanding the call centre’s operations, identifying the people contacted and examining how the alleged transactions were conducted. The agency has not yet provided a complete account of the reported financial losses or the number of individuals who may have been affected.
The eight suspects identified in the case include six men and two women. The male suspects were identified as Tayyab Tariq, Ali Raza, Azeem Rehman, Muhammad Umar, Haseeb Asif and Hasnain Raza. Investigators have identified Tayyab Tariq and Amna Tariq as the alleged owners and administrators of the call centre. The identities of the remaining suspects and their respective roles are being examined as part of the ongoing investigation. During the operation, NCCIA officials secured 28 laptops, 10 desktop computers and 15 mobile phones for further examination. Initial checks reportedly revealed the presence of dialling software and information associated with calls made to individuals in the United Kingdom. The seized devices have been secured for forensic analysis, which is expected to help investigators examine stored data, communication records and other material relevant to the alleged fraud. The technical examination may also assist in establishing how the operation was organized, how potential victims were contacted and whether the recovered information is connected to unauthorized financial transactions. A case has been registered, and further investigation is underway to determine the full extent of the alleged activities and establish the involvement of each suspect. The allegations remain subject to the investigation and relevant legal proceedings.
NCCIA Lahore Zone Additional Director Atif Ameer said that action against illegal call centres allegedly involved in cyber fraud targeting citizens and foreign nationals would continue. His statement highlighted the agency’s focus on operations involving deceptive telecommunications campaigns and the misuse of digital tools to obtain financial information. The Township raid forms part of NCCIA Lahore’s enforcement efforts against suspected call centre operations that allegedly use international calling campaigns to target individuals outside Pakistan. The recovery of 53 digital devices provides investigators with material for further forensic examination, while the identification of the alleged owners and administrators may help establish the structure of the operation. Authorities are continuing to examine the seized equipment and other evidence as the investigation progresses. The case also highlights the risks associated with unsolicited calls offering unusually attractive telecommunications discounts, particularly when callers request payment details or sensitive financial information. Individuals receiving such offers are advised to verify them directly through the official channels of the relevant service provider before sharing personal or financial details. NCCIA Lahore has reiterated that action against suspected illegal call centres and cyber fraud operations will continue as investigators work to address activities targeting both local and international victims.
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