The National Cybercrime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Islamabad has achieved a significant milestone in global cyber intelligence by successfully dismantling an international network engaged in online child sexual exploitation and abuse. The operation was carried out in close collaboration with the Queensland Police Service of Australia, Interpol, and the National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). This joint initiative led to the identification of several suspects and criminal groups involved in the production and distribution of illegal materials through darknet platforms.
According to Mr. Anees ur Rehman, Technical Assistance Officer at the Cybercrime Reporting Centre Islamabad and an Interpol-certified ICSE user, the investigation gained momentum during the 6th Victim Identification Task Force Asia held in Singapore in October 2024. During the meeting, evidence emerged that child abuse material was being distributed online by users operating under aliases ‘MYLOVEDLOLICON’ and ‘MYLOVEDMANGA’. The primary suspect was identified as the administrator of a secret darknet group named ‘Rainbow’, which facilitated the sharing of such content via encrypted TorChat channels. Offenders linked to the network, identified as ‘SASSY’ from Brazil and ‘TWINKLE’ from Portugal, had already been apprehended by international authorities prior to this development.
NCCIA subsequently registered a case against a Pakistani suspect, Qasim, under Sections 21, 22A, and 22B of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, and Section 377 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC). Further investigation revealed detailed intelligence provided by NCMEC through multiple cyber tipline reports, including report numbers 127256581, 127263119, and 127817783. These reports traced illicit online activities to a verified Google account and mobile number associated with the possession, manufacturing, and distribution of child exploitation content. This information proved instrumental in linking digital evidence to the identified suspects and expanding the scope of the investigation.
Inspector Iqra Muqaddas from the Cybercrime Reporting Centre Islamabad is leading the ongoing investigation, which aims to identify additional offenders and locate victims connected to this case. So far, seven minor victims have been identified as part of the ongoing inquiry. The case reflects Pakistan’s growing emphasis on cross-border cooperation in addressing cyber-enabled crimes that exploit vulnerable individuals. NCCIA’s collaboration with global law enforcement agencies highlights a unified approach to tackling digital threats that transcend national borders and emphasizes the critical role of data exchange and intelligence coordination in modern cyber policing.
Through its work with Interpol, NCMEC, and international partners, NCCIA continues to enhance its cyber investigative capabilities to ensure stronger protection for children and promote safer online environments. The agency’s focus remains on leveraging digital forensics and international intelligence networks to counter emerging threats within cyberspace, marking another step in Pakistan’s efforts to strengthen its cybersecurity and law enforcement ecosystem.
Source: LinkedIn
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