The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has intensified action against suspected cyber-fraud networks across Pakistan. Recent operations in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Karachi have led to more than 300 arrests. The crackdown targeted illegal call centres allegedly involved in online fraud and other cyber-enabled schemes. Investigators also seized computers, mobile phones, and other digital equipment.
NCCIA Arrests Suspects in Islamabad
The NCCIA conducted raids at several alleged illegal call centres in Islamabad. The operations focused on facilities in the E-11 and G-10 sectors. Officials said the raids resulted in 212 people being taken into custody. The detainees included Pakistani and Chinese nationals. Investigators recovered 306 mobile phones and 383 computers or CPUs. They also seized 299 monitors and laptops from the premises. According to the NCCIA, the suspects allegedly used several methods to target victims. These included Google-related fraud, dating schemes, and task-based scams.
Investigators also reported possible links to networks in India and Brazil. The agency registered a case and continued examining the seized evidence. Another Islamabad operation involved 100 people, including 17 foreign nationals. Authorities sealed the call centre after the raid and seized its digital equipment.
Action Against Call Centres in Karachi
The NCCIA also carried out raids against two alleged call centres in Karachi. The facilities operated in the PECHS area. The agency said more than 70 people were arrested during the operations. Officials alleged that the suspects targeted US citizens with fraudulent financial offers. The schemes reportedly involved fake credit card offers and low-interest financial services. Investigators seized digital devices for forensic examination. The NCCIA registered two cases under provisions of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act and Pakistan Penal Code.
Investigators are examining the seized data to identify the wider network. They are also tracing financial channels and other people allegedly connected to the operations.
Rawalpindi Raid Leads to 61 Arrests
The crackdown also reached Rawalpindi, where the NCCIA raided an alleged illegal call centre in Satellite Town. The operation resulted in 61 arrests. Officials recovered 155 laptops and 71 mobile phones from the premises. According to the initial investigation, suspects allegedly posed as foreign loan recovery agents. They allegedly threatened and pressured foreign nationals over loan payments. The NCCIA seized the digital devices for forensic analysis. A case was also registered against the suspects. The agency said further investigation would determine the exact roles of those arrested. Technical analysis is also expected to provide more information about the alleged network.
Nationwide Cyber-Fraud Crackdown Continues
The recent operations show the scale of the NCCIA’s current campaign against illegal call centres and cyber fraud. The reported arrests come from several operations conducted across the three cities. The agency has said its operations against illegal call centres will continue. Officials are also examining seized devices and digital records. The investigations remain ongoing. The allegations against individual suspects will be subject to legal proceedings and further evidence. The NCCIA has emphasized the need to protect citizens from cyber fraud. Its recent operations have focused on both domestic and international fraud networks.