Authorities in Pakistan have intensified action against organised cyber fraud networks after the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency Punjab uncovered a fake call centre in Lahore allegedly linked to online investment and financial scams.
According to the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency Punjab, 7 suspects, including 3 women, were arrested during the operation carried out as part of a province-wide crackdown on cyber fraud gangs.
NCCIA Punjab Director Muhammad Ali Waseem said the agency has launched action against organised groups accused of running online investment and financial fraud schemes.
An NCCIA spokesperson stated that the suspects were operating a trading call centre in Lahore and allegedly targeted citizens through WhatsApp messages and mobile phone calls. Victims were reportedly lured into fake investment opportunities with promises of high returns.
The arrested suspects were identified as Ejaz Ahmed, Muhammad Abdullah, Akhlaq Ali, Muhammad Hamza, Fiza, Samreen and Noreen. Authorities said a case has been registered against them under various sections of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016 and the Pakistan Penal Code.
Officials stated that the suspects used WhatsApp, phone calls and social media platforms to approach victims and promote fraudulent trading schemes. The victims’ money was allegedly transferred into multiple bank accounts and digital wallets controlled by the group.
Cyber police also revealed that the gang had established a fully operational call centre where several operators were actively involved in trapping people through fake trading and investment offers.
One victim, Khurram Ashfaq, alleged that the suspects fraudulently obtained Rs 2,779,501 from him after convincing him to invest through an online trading application.
During the raid, authorities recovered 9 mobile phones, 4 computer systems, 415 fake active SIM cards, 610 fake silicone thumb impressions, 56 ATM cards and 13 biometric verification devices.
Officials said the seized material indicates the large scale of the alleged fraud operation and highlights the use of digital tools for managing fake accounts and carrying out financial scams.
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