28 Suspects Arrested in Rawalpindi
The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has carried out a major operation against an alleged online fraud network in Rawalpindi, arresting 28 people from a suspected illegal call center. According to reports, the arrested individuals include 24 men and four women, all of whom are Pakistani employees allegedly working for the suspected network. Several computers, laptops, and mobile phones were also seized during the raid.
Fake Profiles Used to Target Citizens
NCCIA officials said the suspects allegedly used Telegram accounts and fake Facebook profiles created in women’s names to establish contact with potential victims. The suspects reportedly lured people into fraudulent e-commerce and investment schemes, persuading them to hand over money after presenting the schemes as legitimate opportunities. Investigators are examining the digital devices recovered from the call center to determine how the alleged operation worked and whether additional people were involved.
Chinese National Allegedly Behind Network
According to the NCCIA, the suspected call center was allegedly being operated by a Chinese national believed to be the mastermind of the network. The suspect reportedly fled before the raid. Authorities are now attempting to trace and arrest him, while investigators are also working to identify other individuals allegedly connected with the operation.
Case Registered Against 28 Suspects
The NCCIA Rawalpindi has registered a case against the 28 arrested individuals under provisions of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) and relevant sections of the Pakistan Penal Code. Further investigation is underway, including the examination of seized computers and mobile phones and efforts to trace the suspected mastermind and other members of the alleged network.
NCCIA Intensifies Crackdown on Online Fraud
The Rawalpindi raid comes amid a wider crackdown by Pakistani authorities against organized cybercrime and fraudulent call centers. In recent months, the NCCIA has conducted several operations involving alleged online fraud, impersonation, and illegal call-center activities. In July, the agency also busted an alleged international network in Rawalpindi that reportedly impersonated foreign embassy officials to defraud people seeking visa and immigration services. The latest operation highlights the growing focus of law enforcement agencies on call centers allegedly being used to target victims through social media, messaging platforms, and deceptive online investment schemes. Authorities say the investigation into the Rawalpindi case is continuing and further arrests may follow as investigators trace the suspected network and its financial and digital links.
