NCCIA raids Karachi call centre, arrests over 30 suspects
The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) raided an alleged illegal call centre near Metropole in Karachi and took more than 30 suspects into custody.
According to NCCIA officials, the call centre was allegedly being used to target foreign citizens through fraudulent activities. Investigators said the suspects reportedly posed as representatives of US banks and contacted people abroad.
Phones, laptops and bank cards seized
During the raid, NCCIA officials seized a large number of mobile phones, laptops and other digital devices from the premises. Data and bank cards were also recovered during the operation.
The seized material could help investigators examine how the alleged call centre operated and identify other people who may have been involved.
Digital evidence could also help investigators trace communications and financial links connected to the suspected cyber fraud. The suspects are currently being interrogated as the investigation continues.
Investigators search for wider fraud network
The NCCIA is now working to determine whether the Karachi call centre was part of a wider international fraud network. Investigators are also trying to identify other individuals allegedly connected to the operation.
The agency’s investigation will focus on the roles of the suspects, the source of the financial information allegedly obtained from victims, and the movement of any funds linked to the suspected fraud.
Officials have not yet disclosed the full scope of the alleged network. Further arrests could follow if investigators establish links between the suspects and other people involved in the alleged activities.
Karachi raid follows earlier crackdown in Lahore
The Karachi operation comes shortly after the NCCIA carried out raids against alleged illegal call centres in Lahore.
On October 4, the agency arrested 36 suspects during raids in Faisal Town and Johar Town, where the call centres were allegedly targeting foreign citizens. According to the agency, the Lahore suspects allegedly used dialling software to contact people abroad.
Computers, laptops and mobile phones were recovered during the operations, while officials said the seized devices contained software and data allegedly linked to fraudulent activities. The agency also traced another suspected illegal call centre during the investigation.
Second Lahore site raided despite resistance
The NCCIA said its team proceeded with the operation at the second Lahore location despite resistance from security personnel. Digital evidence was seized and sealed for further investigation.
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Several vehicles allegedly purchased with proceeds from criminal activities were also taken into custody during the Lahore operation.
Officials are examining the seized material to determine how the alleged operations were organised and who was responsible for them. The agency is also working to identify the owners and facilitators allegedly connected with the call centres.
Crackdown targets alleged cyber fraud networks
The latest Karachi raid is part of a wider series of operations against suspected illegal call centres and cyber fraud networks. The NCCIA has carried out several raids in different cities in recent weeks as authorities step up efforts against operations allegedly targeting people in Pakistan and abroad.
Earlier in September, the agency also carried out action against a Karachi call centre where suspects were allegedly impersonating foreign bank officials and obtaining sensitive information from foreign nationals.
In another Karachi operation, more than 70 people were arrested in raids on two alleged call centres in PECHS over suspected fraudulent schemes targeting US citizens. These operations show that investigators are increasingly focusing on call centres suspected of using digital tools and false identities to target victims overseas.
What happens next?
The suspects detained in Karachi are being questioned as investigators continue examining the evidence recovered from the call centre.
Authorities are expected to determine the individual roles of those taken into custody and whether the alleged operation was connected to other people or locations. The seized phones, computers, bank cards and other digital material could provide investigators with further information about the alleged network.
The investigation will also seek to establish the financial trail and identify potential victims. Until the investigation is completed and the allegations are established through due legal process, the suspects remain accused rather than convicted.
Why the Karachi raid matters
The operation highlights the growing attention being given to alleged international cyber fraud conducted through call centres. Such operations can use ordinary-looking offices while relying on digital tools, false identities and stolen or obtained financial information to target victims.
For investigators, tracing these networks requires examining both digital evidence and financial transactions. The latest raid could help authorities determine whether the Karachi operation was an isolated call centre or part of a larger network operating across multiple locations.
