The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) in Islamabad has arrested four suspects for allegedly defrauding citizens through fake visa and air ticket services advertised on WhatsApp groups.
An NCCIA official said the suspects ran a financial fraud network disguised as a travel agency. They approached potential customers through WhatsApp groups and persuaded them to transfer money for travel-related services.
According to the official, the suspects collected payments from citizens but supplied forged travel documents instead of genuine visas and tickets.
The agency has registered two First Information Reports (FIRs) against the suspects under relevant provisions of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016 and the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC). Further investigation is underway to determine the extent of the fraud and identify other individuals involved in the network.
The NCCIA has also uncovered a separate group allegedly involved in defrauding taxi drivers through fake SIM cards, WhatsApp and online accounts. An agency spokesperson said the suspects posed as government officials and booked rides near the Red Zone in Rawalpindi.
They cited hospital bills and medical emergencies to persuade drivers to send money, then cancelled the rides and cut off contact once the payments were received. A case has been registered, and investigation is ongoing.
Earlier, the NCCIA in Lahore arrested the alleged mastermind of an international online fraud scheme worth Rs35 billion. Investigators allege that a website selling counterfeit US postage stamps was used to sell more than five million fake stamps. Authorities conducted raids at 35 locations across Punjab, Islamabad and Sindh to make the arrest.
The NCCIA said the crackdown is being carried out under the zero-tolerance policy of Director General Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi and targets international cyber fraud and activities that could damage the country’s reputation.
