The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Lahore has raided and shut down two alleged illegal call centres operating in Johar Town and Faisal Town, arresting 36 suspects over their alleged involvement in fraudulent activities targeting foreign citizens.
NCCIA Arrests 36 in Lahore Call Centre Scam Targeting Foreigners
According to Additional Director NCCIA Lahore Zone Atif Ameer, the call centres were allegedly being used to target foreign nationals through deceptive calls and fraudulent service offers.
Foreign Citizens Allegedly Targeted
Preliminary investigations showed that the suspects allegedly defrauded foreign citizens by claiming to provide mobile phone upgrades and other related services.
Officials said the investigation is continuing to determine how the alleged fraud was carried out and to establish the individual roles of the people operating and facilitating the call centres.
The agency is also examining whether the arrested suspects were working as part of an organized network and whether additional individuals were involved.
Computers, Laptops And Mobile Phones Seized
During the raids, NCCIA officials recovered a large quantity of electronic equipment allegedly used in the call centre operations.
The seized items included:
- Computers
- Laptops
- Mobile phones
- Other digital devices and equipment
Officials also impounded several vehicles that were allegedly purchased using proceeds generated through the criminal activities.
Call Centre Owners and Facilitators Under Investigation
The NCCIA said the identities and specific roles of the call centre owners, facilitators and other suspects would be determined as the investigation progresses.
Investigators are expected to examine the seized computers, mobile phones and other digital evidence to establish the nature and extent of the alleged fraudulent activities.
The investigation could also reveal whether the suspects had links with other individuals or similar call centre operations.
Cases Registered Under PECA And PPC
Cases have been registered against the arrested suspects under relevant provisions of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) and the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).
The suspects will face legal proceedings as the investigation continues. The allegations remain subject to the outcome of the investigation and the legal process.
NCCIA Continues Action Against Cybercrime
The Lahore operation highlights the NCCIA’s ongoing efforts to investigate alleged cyber-enabled fraud and illegal call centre activities.
With digital communication increasingly being used to target victims across borders, authorities have been investigating operations allegedly involved in fraudulent calls, deceptive services and other forms of online-enabled financial crime.
The NCCIA is expected to continue examining the evidence recovered during the Lahore raids to determine the full scope of the alleged operation.