National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency has uncovered a large scale cyber fraud network operating from Karachi, exposing what officials described as an international cartel involved in online investment scams worth an estimated $60 million. The operation was revealed during a press conference addressed by Sindh Home Minister Zia ul Hassan Lanjar alongside NCCIA Additional Director Tariq Nawaz. The disclosure followed coordinated action in Defence Housing Authority areas of Karachi, where multiple locations were targeted as part of an ongoing investigation into transnational digital fraud activities affecting both local and foreign victims.
According to details shared at the briefing, a total of 15 foreign nationals including three women, along with 19 Pakistani nationals, were sacked during joint action conducted by NCCIA with support from intelligence and law enforcement agencies in DHA Phase 1 and Phase 6. Authorities recovered 37 computers, 40 mobile phones, more than 10,000 international SIM cards, and six unlawful gateway exchanges during the operation. Officials stated that these tools were primarily used to create fake social media profiles and Telegram accounts, allowing the suspects to simulate large online communities and falsely present credibility to unsuspecting victims across multiple countries.
The home minister explained that the network operated sophisticated online investment schemes in which victims were gradually convinced to invest in cryptocurrency and forex trading. Fraudsters reportedly spent weeks or months building trust through social media interactions before directing targets to fake investment platforms. Victims were asked to create logins on portals that appeared legitimate due to manipulated Telegram group activity and fabricated transaction records. These platforms were fully controlled by the scammers, who displayed artificial profits to encourage additional deposits. Once investments crossed a certain threshold, victims were asked to submit further fees under various pretexts, after which communication channels were blocked and funds disappeared without being transferred to the victims’ accounts.
Lanjar said foreign SIM cards played a central role in the scam, as they were used to receive one time passwords and verification codes required to register Telegram and WhatsApp accounts. These accounts were then used to manage fake investment groups and coordinate communications with victims. He added that another key component of the operation involved routing funds through bank accounts in targeted countries, followed by conversion into cryptocurrency and cross border movement to principal beneficiaries. Ongoing technical and financial investigations have reportedly led to additional developments that authorities are still examining.
Addressing concerns about foreign involvement, the home minister said the matter was handled cautiously due to diplomatic sensitivities, as individuals from two or three countries with important relations with Pakistan were involved. He confirmed that the foreign and interior ministries had formally raised the issue with relevant governments. While Pakistan provides security and facilitation to foreign nationals, Lanjar emphasized that legal action applies equally when criminal activity is established. He declined to disclose nationalities of those sacked, citing the need for responsible handling of the case.
NCCIA Additional Director Tariq Nawaz noted that both locals and foreigners were part of the network and that victims were not limited to Pakistan. He stated that cybercrime operates without geographical boundaries and described the exposed operation as only a small part of a much larger digital fraud ecosystem. Judicial proceedings are ongoing, with multiple suspects already sent to prison on judicial remand under provisions of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act and the Pakistan Penal Code. Authorities acknowledged that further efforts are required to address illegal call centers and online fraud networks, with NCCIA units in other cities also receiving related complaints.
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