The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has sacked 154 suspects, including 53 women, during a three day operation that targeted two illegal call centres operating in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. According to officials, the coordinated action focused on networks allegedly involved in cross border cyber fraud, online harassment and digital blackmail activities affecting citizens across several South Asian countries. The agency said criminal cases had been registered while investigations continue to determine the full scope of the alleged operations and identify additional individuals connected to the network.
Speaking at a press conference, NCCIA Additional Director Shoaib Khan explained that one operation was carried out at a house in Rawalpindi where officials detained 11 individuals, including 10 women and one man. In a separate operation in Islamabad, 143 suspects, including 43 women, were taken into custody from another call centre. According to the agency, the centres were allegedly engaged in deceptive online activities that encouraged people to install mobile applications by offering loans. Once the applications were installed, the operators allegedly gained access to personal information, photographs and other content stored on victims’ mobile devices. Officials stated that this information was then allegedly manipulated to create inappropriate material, which was reportedly used to pressure and intimidate victims into making payments or complying with various demands. The agency further disclosed that 37 individuals allegedly linked to harassment and blackmail related cases were also among those detained. Investigators believe that some of these activities may have continued for the past two to three years, although inquiries remain ongoing to establish the complete extent of the operation.
NCCIA said the investigations indicate that the network primarily targeted individuals in multiple South Asian countries through deceptive online schemes. Officials described the activity as part of an organised cyber enabled operation involving financial deception and misuse of personal data. Shoaib Khan stated that the agency maintains a zero tolerance policy against cyber fraud and online financial crime and would continue taking action against individuals and groups suspected of operating similar networks. He also announced that another enforcement campaign would soon focus on alleged fraud conducted under the name of online betting and gaming platforms. According to the agency, such schemes often attract participants by presenting initial financial gains before allegedly causing significant monetary losses. Authorities believe stronger enforcement and public cooperation will be important in disrupting these activities and limiting the impact of digital fraud on internet users.
Alongside the enforcement actions, NCCIA urged the public to remain vigilant when using online platforms and mobile applications. Shoaib Khan advised citizens to avoid installing unverified loan applications or sharing personal photographs, mobile phone data and information about family members with unknown individuals or digital platforms. He also expressed concern over young people accepting employment at illegal call centres because of attractive salary offers, urging parents to stay informed about their children’s activities and employment choices. According to the agency, becoming involved in unlawful online operations could have serious legal consequences and negatively affect future career opportunities. NCCIA encouraged citizens to remain alert to cyber fraud, safeguard their personal information and exercise caution when approached with suspicious financial offers or betting and gaming schemes presented through digital platforms.
Follow the SPIN IDG WhatsApp Channel for updates across the Smart Pakistan Insights Network covering all of Pakistan’s technology ecosystem.
