FIA arrests 50 more foreigners in Islamabad call centre crackdown
According to the FIA, the suspects were found hiding in a plaza located inside a private housing society in the capital.
The arrested individuals were taken into custody and later transferred to jail as investigations into their alleged activities continue. The latest arrests are part of a wider operation against foreign nationals suspected of operating illegal call centres in Islamabad.
Earlier arrests lead to deportation process
Earlier, 250 foreign nationals arrested during the crackdown had been shifted to Adiala and Attock jails. Authorities have also started the deportation process against foreign nationals involved in the cases.
The first batch of 50 Vietnamese nationals has already been deported from Pakistan. Officials are continuing to examine the cases of the remaining arrested foreigners before deciding on further action.
NCCIA conducts separate operations
The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has also detained dozens of foreign nationals during three separate operations in Islamabad. The operations were conducted between August 13 and 21 as part of the wider crackdown on suspected cybercrime activities.
Investigators are examining allegations that some of the suspects were involved in online fraud and blackmail targeting people abroad. Authorities are also investigating allegations that money was generated through sexually explicit content.
Investigation expands to other institutions
The investigation has now expanded beyond the FIA, NCCIA and Islamabad Police. Sources said the probe also includes the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP).
The involvement of these institutions could help authorities examine telecommunications records, financial transactions and corporate links connected with the suspected call centres. Investigators are also looking into individuals and businesses that may have helped the alleged operations continue.
671 foreigners placed on blacklist
Authorities have so far decided to place 671 foreign nationals arrested for allegedly operating illegal call centres on the foreign blacklist. The move would prevent the individuals from returning to Pakistan after their removal from the country.
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The blacklist decision is part of the government’s broader response to allegations involving illegal call centre operations. Officials are also examining whether the suspects have links with local individuals or businesses.
Foreign governments being informed
The Foreign Office is informing the respective countries about the alleged criminal activities involving their nationals. The communication is expected to help coordinate further action and provide relevant information to the countries concerned.
The development also highlights the international nature of the investigation, as some of the alleged online activities were reportedly directed at people outside Pakistan. Authorities are expected to continue sharing information with the relevant governments as the investigation progresses.
Authorities investigate local links
Investigators are also focusing on the operators of the suspected call centres and their local connections. Officials are examining how the centres were established, who provided support to the foreign nationals and how the alleged activities were conducted.
The investigation could lead to further arrests if authorities identify individuals who allegedly facilitated the operations. Financial and telecommunications records may also help investigators trace the networks behind the suspected activities.
Crackdown continues in Islamabad
The latest arrests show that authorities are continuing their action against suspected illegal call centres in the federal capital. The involvement of multiple agencies indicates that the investigation covers suspected cybercrime, financial activity and other alleged offences.
Authorities are expected to take further action after reviewing evidence collected during raids and questioning of the suspects. The focus will remain on identifying the alleged operators, tracing financial networks and determining whether local individuals or businesses helped facilitate the activities.
