The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) apprehended more than 20 suspects during a countrywide sweep against cybercrime over the last 24 hours.
These enforcement actions targeted instances of extortion and financial fraud involving approximately Rs 66 million. NCCIA units conducted raids in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, Gujranwala, Multan, Abbottabad and Dera Ismail Khan to take suspects into custody. In Rawalpindi, the agency seized Rs 5.99 million and returned the funds to the victim.
Authorities in Islamabad detained four individuals for allegedly operating a fraudulent travel agency through WhatsApp groups. Two cases were registered in Islamabad under the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) and the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016.
Bilal Ahmed and Nasir Nazir were taken into custody in Islamabad for allegedly posting objectionable videos and photographs of a complainant’s daughter on social media. The NCCIA filed an FIR against individuals allegedly cheating InDrive drivers by using fake bookings, claiming to be government officials, and requesting money for emergencies.
In Gujranwala, the agency apprehended four suspects for creating fake social media accounts in the names of relatives to cheat citizens. A suspect in Karachi was arrested for allegedly swindling a woman of Rs 4.45 million through false marriage promises on an online matrimonial application.
In Peshawar, a suspect was arrested for allegedly involving himself in a Rs 30 million fraud involving fake marriage and investment offers. Two suspects in Shangla were arrested for running illegal online loan applications and harassing people with threatening calls. Muhammad Hasnain, a wanted suspect, was arrested in Dera Ismail Khan for allegedly cheating citizens through fake online investment schemes.
The Lahore team, working with Sahiwal, arrested Kashif Ali in Pakpattan for allegedly blackmailing a citizen with an objectionable video to demand money. Director General Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi is supervising these operations as part of an ongoing nationwide campaign.
A previous one-month performance report following Rizvi's appointment showed the NCCIA arrested 1,129 suspects, registered 272 cases, and recovered Rs 105.3 million. Citizens were urged to report financial fraud and suspicious online activities via the NCCIA helpline 1799.
