NCCIA arrests 36 suspects in crackdown on illegal call centres targeting foreign nationals

LAHORE: The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has arrested 36 suspects during raids against illegal call centres allegedly involved in targeting foreign nationals.

The raids were carried out in Lahore’s Faisal Town and Johar Town. Officials said the suspects were allegedly using dial-up software and other digital tools to defraud people abroad. Computers, laptops and mobile phones were recovered from the locations.

The NCCIA said an additional illegal call centre was identified after information obtained during one of the raids. Despite resistance from security personnel at the second site, the agency team proceeded with the operation and seized digital evidence linked to the alleged fraud.

Officials also took several vehicles into custody that were allegedly purchased using proceeds from criminal activities. The seized digital material was sealed in accordance with legal procedures for further investigation.

The agency said the crackdown was part of efforts to prevent cybercrime and protect Pakistan’s digital and financial reputation.

The latest arrests come days after the NCCIA detained 61 people during a separate raid on an alleged illegal call centre in Rawalpindi.

In that case, the suspects were accused of extorting money from foreign nationals by threatening them under the pretext of recovering illegal loans. The operation in Satellite Town led to the seizure of 71 mobile phones and 155 laptops.