KARACHI: The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has apprehended 34 suspects, among them 15 foreigners, in connection with a widespread online scam that targeted citizens with false promises of lucrative investments.
During a press briefing held on Thursday, Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar, alongside NCCIA Additional Director Tariq Nawaz, explained that the accused lured victims with fake investment platforms, falsely assuring them of substantial returns.”Fraudulent login interfaces were used to display fictitious profits, making the schemes appear authentic,” Lanjar stated.
The crackdown resulted in the confiscation of 37 computers, 40 mobile phones, over 10,000 SIM cards, and six illegal gateway exchanges. The authorities revealed that the SIM cards were employed to create fake social media and Telegram accounts to facilitate deception.
Tariq Nawaz mentioned that the operation targeted suspects in DHA Phase-1 and Phase-6, with arrests involving both Pakistani nationals and foreign nationals. The investigation is ongoing, with the team working to gather additional digital evidence.
The Sindh minister commended NCCIA’s professional approach in handling the case, emphasizing that cybercrime continues to undermine public trust and financial stability. He reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to cracking down on organized cybercriminal networks.
Earlier in July, the NCCIA arrested five foreign nationals suspected of running an illegal call center in Islamabad’s G-10 sector. Authorities found that the call center was part of a fraudulent online network allegedly operated by the suspects, employing more than 60 Pakistani workers.
During a court hearing, the prosecution requested a two-day remand for the suspects, revealing that they were part of an organized operation involved in online scams through illegal websites.
