The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has arrested 120 suspects during a crackdown on six call centres in Rawalpindi allegedly involved in online visa fraud, romance scams and investment fraud, according to media reports.
The NCCIA spokesperson stated the suspects allegedly lured citizens with promises of visas and travel opportunities to Canada, Italy and other European countries before providing them with forged documents. During the operation, officials seized around 800 mobile phones and laptops from the targeted call centres.
NCCIA Additional Director Nisar Ahmed Khan said the number of victims was likely to be in the hundreds. He added that forensic examinations of the seized devices had begun, while the monitoring of call centres operating in Rawalpindi had also been initiated. Assistant Director Rana Mohsin said the centres were also allegedly involved in romance scams and investment fraud.
Nisar Ahmed Khan urged citizens to remain cautious when sharing personal information online and warned them against trusting unverified individuals or organisations offering overseas visas. The NCCIA has advised citizens seeking assistance or wishing to report cybercrime incidents to contact its helpline at 1799.