National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency has dismantled a fake call centre operating in Lahore as part of an ongoing crackdown against organized financial fraud networks across Punjab. The operation led to the arrest of seven suspects, including three women, who were allegedly involved in running fraudulent investment schemes targeting citizens through digital communication channels. Officials stated that the action forms part of a broader provincial effort to curb online scams linked to fake trading and investment operations.
According to Director Muhammad Ali Waseem, NCCIA Punjab has intensified its province wide campaign against organized gangs involved in cyber enabled financial fraud. The suspects were reportedly operating a trading call centre in Lahore where they used WhatsApp messages and mobile phone calls to lure victims into investment schemes promising high financial returns. A spokesperson for NCCIA stated that the group contacted individuals through social media platforms and messaging applications, presenting fake investment opportunities designed to gain trust and extract money from unsuspecting users.
During the raid conducted by law enforcement authorities, suspects identified as Ejaz Ahmed, Muhammad Abdullah, Akhlaq Ali, Muhammad Hamza, Fiza, Samreen, and Noreen were taken into custody. A formal case has been registered against them under multiple sections of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016 along with provisions of the Pakistan Penal Code. Officials confirmed that the suspects operated a fully functional call centre setup where multiple operators were engaged in executing coordinated fraud activities aimed at convincing citizens to invest in fake trading platforms and financial schemes.
Investigators revealed that the victims’ funds were transferred into various bank accounts and digital wallets controlled by the gang after they were successfully manipulated into making investments. One victim, identified as Khurram Ashfaq, reported that he was defrauded of Rs2,779,501 after being persuaded to invest in an online trading application presented by the suspects as a legitimate investment platform. Authorities stated that the financial loss reflects the scale of deception involved in such organized cyber fraud operations, which rely heavily on psychological manipulation and digital communication tools.
During the raid, enforcement teams recovered a significant amount of digital and biometric equipment believed to have been used in the execution of fraudulent activities. The seized items included nine mobile phones, four computer systems, 415 fake active SIM cards, 610 fake silicone thumb impressions, 56 ATM cards, and 13 biometric verification devices. Officials noted that the presence of such equipment indicates a structured and technologically equipped fraud network capable of bypassing identity verification systems and facilitating large scale financial scams.
Law enforcement agencies stated that investigations are ongoing to identify additional members of the network and trace financial flows connected to the scam operations. Authorities also emphasized that public awareness and vigilance remain essential in preventing citizens from falling victim to similar investment fraud schemes that continue to circulate across digital platforms in Pakistan.
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