Karachi call centre raid: 273 arrested as NCCIA seizes hundreds of devices
The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) also seized hundreds of electronic devices during the operation at a call centre on Sharea Faisal.
NCCIA conducts major raid on Karachi call centre
NCCIA Additional Director Shahzad Akbar said the operation was carried out on November 4 near Kavish Crown Plaza in Karachi. The raid was part of an ongoing investigation into an alleged international financial fraud network.
Investigators identified the call centre as Voxtron Solutions, which was allegedly involved in targeting foreign citizens through fake identities and misleading phone calls. The suspects reportedly used impersonation, identity misuse and caller ID spoofing to deceive people living abroad.
According to Akbar, the centre was operating under the name of a debt validation service. Its workers allegedly contacted foreign citizens while pretending to represent international banks and debt verification companies.
How the alleged international fraud worked
The NCCIA official said the suspects reportedly offered help to people in verifying their outstanding debts and financial obligations. Investigators believe this method was used to gain access to victims’ private and financial information.
The information allegedly included Social Security Numbers and payment card details. Officials suspect that the stolen information was later used to carry out financial transactions without the victims’ permission.
Akbar said the initial investigation also suggested that money earned through these transactions was transferred to Pakistan through company accounts and money transfer channels. This raised concerns about the possible movement of illegally obtained funds across international borders.
273 arrested, hundreds of devices seized
During the operation, the NCCIA arrested 273 suspects for further investigation. Officials also seized 339 laptops, 152 mobile phones and four computers from the premises.
Shahzad Akbar said all recovered devices and other evidence had been taken into official custody. The material will undergo technical checks and digital forensic examination to collect further evidence.
A case has been registered under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016. The charges include unauthorised access to computer systems, illegal copying or transfer of data, electronic forgery, electronic fraud, misuse of identity information and spoofing.
Families protest arrests on Sharea Faisal
Meanwhile, relatives of the arrested workers and local residents staged a protest near Baloch Colony Bridge on Sharea Faisal. The demonstration disrupted traffic on one of Karachi’s busiest roads.
The protesters claimed that around 100 women were among those arrested during the raid. They said their children were working at the call centre and had no involvement in illegal activities.
The families demanded the immediate release of the arrested workers. However, the NCCIA has said that all 273 suspects were detained for further investigation and legal proceedings.
The raid highlights growing concerns about international online and financial fraud networks operating through call centres. Such activities can expose foreign citizens to identity theft and financial losses.
However, the allegations against the arrested workers will need to be examined through a proper investigation. Digital evidence and forensic reports will be important in determining who was involved in the alleged fraud.
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