National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Lahore has carried out a series of operations against suspected online fraud activities and illegal call centres, holding 11 individuals and recovering laptops, computers, mobile phones and digital evidence believed to be connected with ongoing investigations. According to the agency, the operations targeted groups allegedly involved in obtaining citizens’ financial information by presenting themselves as bank officials and representatives of various service companies. Authorities stated that the recovered electronic devices have been sent for forensic examination, while investigators continue to examine financial records and identify additional individuals who may have been connected to the suspected activities.
According to NCCIA, one of the operations focused on a group allegedly linked to an online financial fraud case involving approximately Rs1 million. Officials stated that the individuals reportedly contacted members of the public while presenting themselves as bank managers and offered financial incentives to encourage citizens to open bank accounts in their own names. The agency believes these accounts were later used for financial transactions that are now under investigation. During the operation, officials held Aslam, Huzaifa, Abdul Rauf, Jan Muhammad, Asghar and Umar Usman and recovered two mobile phones that will undergo further digital analysis. NCCIA said the investigation is intended to determine the complete sequence of events and establish the role of each individual based on forensic findings and available evidence. The agency added that financial transaction records are also being reviewed to identify additional affected parties and determine whether similar methods may have been used in other reported incidents.
In another operation, NCCIA conducted action at a suspected illegal call centre operating from Al Qadir Plaza in Gulberg III. During the operation, officials held Ahsan Rizwan, Muhammad Ahmed and Irfan Khalid Hussain. Authorities recovered eight laptops and three mobile phones from the premises. An initial examination of the equipment reportedly identified Voice over Internet Protocol software along with information relating to payment cards and multiple mobile phone numbers. Investigators believe the digital material may assist in understanding the scale and nature of the suspected activities. Separately, another operation was conducted at a call centre located in Barkat Market, Garden Town, where Adeel Shehzad and Ali Adnan were held. Officials recovered five laptops, six computers and one mobile phone from the premises. According to NCCIA, the individuals were suspected of presenting themselves as representatives of service companies while making calls to people in the United Kingdom and several other countries. Authorities stated that all recovered equipment has been secured for technical analysis as part of the ongoing investigation.
NCCIA stated that forensic experts will conduct a detailed examination of all seized digital devices to determine the origin of the recovered data, communication records and any other material relevant to the investigation. The agency said investigators are also tracing financial transactions, identifying additional potential victims and examining whether more individuals may have been associated with the suspected networks. Officials emphasized that further legal action will depend on the outcome of the forensic analysis and evidence gathered during the investigation. The operations reflect the agency’s continued efforts to investigate suspected cyber enabled financial crimes and illegal digital operations while following established legal procedures. NCCIA noted that inquiries remain ongoing, and any further developments will be based on verified forensic findings and the progress of the investigation.
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