The Cybercrime Reporting Centre of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) in Gujranwala has revealed a significant online fraud involving cryptocurrency and deceptive investment offers. This action followed a complaint by a resident of Sangla Hill who alleged losing millions of rupees to individuals claiming to represent an international company. His report prompted a formal inquiry that soon uncovered a network of operators running large-scale financial scams through digital channels.
According to the NCCIA spokesperson, the initial investigation exposed a pattern of coordinated activity in which the accused used multiple bank accounts and mobile numbers to collect funds from unsuspecting victims. The Sangla Hill complainant alone reported a loss of Rs1.28 million, suggesting the scope of the scam could be extensive. Investigators believe the operation may have involved dozens of victims targeted through a variety of online tactics designed to build trust and encourage large deposits.
The fraudulent scheme reportedly relied on fake WhatsApp profiles, international phone numbers, and persuasive digital advertisements promoting fictitious investment plans tied to cryptocurrency. These tactics were used to create a false impression of legitimacy, drawing in people from different parts of the country who were promised high returns on their contributions. Officials state that the perpetrators displayed a level of sophistication that allowed them to bypass basic checks, making it harder for victims to detect the scam before transferring their money.
NCCIA registered a case (FIR No. 170/2025) at its Police Station in Gujranwala under Sections 13, 14, and 16 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) as well as Sections 419, 420, 468, 471, and 109 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC). These provisions cover offences including impersonation, cheating, forgery, and aiding in unlawful activity. Law enforcement authorities say efforts are now underway to identify the individuals behind the scheme, trace the bank accounts and mobile connections used, and recover defrauded funds where possible.
Officials have emphasized that the investigation remains active and that NCCIA is deploying additional digital forensics resources to track transactions and communications linked to the scam. The case underscores the growing risk of cryptocurrency-related fraud in Pakistan and highlights the importance of vigilance when dealing with unsolicited investment offers online. Cybercrime specialists advise individuals to verify the credentials of any financial entity before transferring money, especially when approached through informal digital channels or platforms. This latest exposure by NCCIA illustrates how quickly online scams can scale and affect communities across different regions when effective safeguards and public awareness are lacking.
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