LAHORE: The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has arrested 59 people, including seven women, during raids on three alleged illegal call centres in Lahore over their suspected involvement in online financial fraud targeting US citizens.
The operations, carried out under the supervision of NCCIA Lahore Zone Additional Director Atif Amir, resulted in the recovery of 27 laptops, 30 computer systems and 47 mobile phones.
According to the agency, the suspects allegedly operated fraudulent schemes targeting American consumers through deceptive offers and the unauthorised use of financial information.
During the first raid, 30 suspects were arrested for allegedly posing as representatives of US telecommunications companies AT&T and Verizon. They reportedly lured customers with fake mobile phone upgrades and discounted service packages.
In the second operation, 14 individuals were apprehended over allegations of illegally obtaining payment account details and verification codes linked to restaurants using Uber Eats. The suspects allegedly exploited the information to divert funds into other accounts.
The third raid led to the arrest of 15 more suspects accused of defrauding US citizens through bogus mobile phone deals and attractive discount offers.
The NCCIA said forensic examination of the seized electronic devices was under way, while investigators were questioning the arrested individuals to establish the full extent of the alleged activities.
The agency added that it would step up its crackdown on illegal call centres and organised networks involved in cybercrime and online financial fraud.
