The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has detained 59 people in a crackdown on three counterfeit call centres operating in Lahore’s Gulberg area, officials said.
According to the agency, the suspects are accused of cheating foreign nationals and extracting credit card information from restaurants. The group includes 52 men and seven women. During the operation, investigators seized 61 laptops, 21 computers and 52 mobile phones.
How the alleged scam operated
Officials said the suspects allegedly tricked foreign nationals with offers of discounted phone upgrades and cheaper service plans. The agency also alleged that the group broke into restaurant systems and moved money into accounts it controlled.
Also read: NCCIA Arrests Suspect in Rs35 Billion Online Fraud Case
The NCCIA said the suspects had damaged Pakistan’s digital reputation through their activities. Officials added that the stolen funds were routed through trading and money transfer apps.
Helpline 15 linked to the cybercrime agency
In a separate step against cybercrime, police forces and the NCCIA have connected Police Helpline 15 with the agency’s system. Under the new arrangement, complaints about cybercrime received through the helpline will be automatically passed to the relevant NCCIA zone.
The agency’s director general said the helpline systems of police in all provinces and major cities had been integrated. Officials said the zone receiving a complaint will take legal action.
The initiative is meant to make it easier for citizens to report cyber harassment, online fraud and data theft through the existing emergency line. It is also intended to improve coordination between police and the NCCIA and speed up action on complaints.
