NCCIA arrests 36 in raids on alleged scam call centres in Lahore
The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) carried out separate raids on two suspected call centres in Lahore.
According to agency officials, 36 suspects were arrested during the operations. The raids were conducted in Faisal Town and Johar Town as part of an investigation into suspected fraudulent activities allegedly being carried out through illegal call centres.
Investigators said the suspects allegedly used dial-up software and other digital tools to contact and target people living abroad. The exact nature and scale of the alleged fraud are still being investigated.
The NCCIA said the operation was part of its wider efforts to tackle cybercrime and fraudulent activities conducted through digital platforms.
Computers, laptops and phones seized
During the raids, investigators recovered a large amount of digital equipment from the premises.
The seized items included computers, laptops and mobile phones containing software and data that investigators believe could be linked to the alleged fraudulent activities. Officials also took several vehicles into custody.
The vehicles are suspected of having been purchased using proceeds linked to criminal activity. However, these allegations will be subject to further investigation and legal proceedings. The seized digital devices are expected to provide investigators with information about how the alleged operations were organised and who may have been targeted.
Information from first raid leads to second operation
The investigation took another turn after information gathered during the first raid reportedly led officials to another suspected call centre.
Investigators used information obtained during the initial operation to identify the second location in Lahore. The team then carried out a raid at the premises.
Officials said the operation was completed despite resistance from security personnel present at the location. The development allowed investigators to collect additional digital material that could help establish possible links between the two suspected operations.
Digital evidence sealed for investigation
The NCCIA said the digital evidence recovered during the raids was seized and sealed in accordance with legal procedures. The material could play an important role in determining how the alleged scam operations worked and whether the arrested suspects were involved in contacting victims abroad.
Investigators are expected to examine the seized computers, laptops and mobile phones for communications, software, financial information and other relevant material. The evidence may also help investigators identify additional people involved in the alleged network.
Crackdown follows Rawalpindi call centre raid
The Lahore operations come days after a separate NCCIA action in Rawalpindi.
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Last week, the agency arrested 61 people during a raid on an alleged illegal call centre in the Satellite Town commercial market. The suspects were accused of extracting money from foreign citizens by threatening them under the guise of recovering loans.
During that operation, investigators seized 71 mobile phones and 155 laptops. The Rawalpindi case is also under investigation, and the allegations against those arrested have yet to be established in court.
NCCIA steps up action against online fraud
The latest Lahore raids highlight the growing focus on organised cyber fraud and the use of technology in financial scams.
Fraudulent schemes can involve fake calls, messages, websites and other digital methods designed to obtain money or sensitive information.
The NCCIA advises people to avoid sharing passwords, PINs and one-time passwords with unknown callers or people claiming to represent banks or other organisations. The agency also provides a complaint mechanism and helpline for reporting cybercrime and financial fraud.
Investigation into alleged scam network continues
The arrested suspects will now face further investigation to determine their alleged roles in the operations. Authorities will also examine the seized digital evidence to establish whether the two Lahore locations were connected and whether more people were involved.
Investigators may also look into the financial transactions associated with the suspected call centres. The vehicles seized during the raids will similarly be examined to determine whether they were purchased using proceeds from the alleged activities.
Allegations not yet proven in court
The NCCIA has described the suspects as being involved in alleged fraudulent activities, but the accusations have not been proven in court. Under the law, the arrested individuals have the right to due process and a fair trial.
Further investigation and court proceedings will determine whether the allegations against them are established. The NCCIA’s official website identifies Lahore as one of its territorial jurisdictions and lists financial fraud among the cybercrime matters handled by the agency.
