NCCIA arrests 59 in raids on illegal Lahore call centres

The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Lahore Zone has arrested 59 people, including seven women, during raids on three locations allegedly operating illegal call centres involved in online financial fraud targeting American consumers.

The operations were conducted under the supervision of NCCIA Lahore Zone Additional Director Atif Amir. Officials seized 27 laptops, 30 computer systems and 47 mobile phones during the raids.

According to the NCCIA, the arrested suspects comprised 52 men and seven women allegedly involved in various online scams targeting US citizens.

In the first operation, NCCIA teams arrested 30 suspects accused of impersonating representatives of US telecommunications companies AT&T and Verizon. They allegedly deceived customers by offering fake mobile phone upgrades and discounted service packages.

In the second operation, 14 suspects were arrested for allegedly fraudulently obtaining payment account details and verification codes belonging to restaurants associated with Uber Eats. The suspects allegedly used the stolen information to transfer funds into other accounts.

During the third operation, NCCIA officials arrested 15 individuals accused of defrauding American citizens through fake mobile phone deals and discounted service offers.

The agency said the seized digital devices were being examined as investigations continued, while the arrested suspects were being questioned.