The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has arrested two suspects accused of blackmailing thousands of citizens through fake loan apps, after its Peshawar Circle uncovered an illegal lending network operating from Shangla.
The agency recovered more than 30 laptops and mobile phones during the raid. It also seized personal data, call detail records (CDRs) and contact records from the suspects.
According to an NCCIA spokesperson, the suspects operated fake loan apps on the Google Play Store and offered small loans to attract users. Once installed, the apps accessed the contact lists and photo galleries of borrowers.
The suspects then used that information to harass victims and their relatives with repeated calls and messages, extorting large sums of money.
A case has been registered under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, and forensic analysis of the seized devices is under way. The agency said it has stepped up action against illegal loan apps across the country.
The spokesperson advised citizens not to install unverified loan apps or grant them access to their contacts.
