The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has arrested 154 suspects, including 53 women, in a three-day operation that shut down two illegal call centres in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The centres were allegedly part of international cyber fraud and online blackmail networks.
NCCIA Additional Director Shoaib Khan gave details at a press conference on Saturday. In Islamabad, 143 suspects, including 43 women, were arrested from one call centre. In Rawalpindi, 11 suspects, including 10 women and one man, were arrested from a call centre operating inside a house.
Shoaib said the suspects targeted citizens of several South Asian countries. They allegedly persuaded victims to install mobile applications by offering loans, then used the apps to access personal information, photographs and other data on the phones.
The photographs and videos were allegedly edited into obscene material and used to threaten, harass and blackmail victims.
He said 37 of those arrested were involved in harassment and blackmail cases and had allegedly carried out such activities for two to three years. Cases have been registered against all the suspects, and investigations are continuing.
Shoaib said the NCCIA follows a zero-tolerance policy against cyber fraud networks. He announced that a major crackdown on fraud carried out in the name of online betting and gaming will be launched soon, adding that such fraudsters typically offer early profits before taking victims’ money.
He expressed concern over young people joining illegal call centres for attractive salaries and urged parents to monitor their children’s activities. He warned that involvement in such centres could leave them with a criminal record.
He advised citizens not to install suspicious loan applications or share photographs, phone data and relatives’ details with unknown individuals or online platforms. He also urged the public to avoid fraudulent betting and gaming schemes.
