FIA, NCCIA joint raid, 6 more arrested in mega online scam 

Two arrests made from law chamber of prominent parliamentarian; political figure’s arrest also expected

ISLAMABAD: Special joint team of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has arrested 6 more accused persons in connection with a mega online scam worth billions of rupees, senior officials from the Ministry of Interior confirmed to Minute Mirror on Monday.

In a significant development, two of the newly arrested individuals were detained from the personal law chambers of a prominent political leader and parliamentarian in Islamabad. Sources within the investigation team said the arrest of the political figure himself is also expected in the coming days as evidence is being compiled.

Scale of Scam: 673 Foreign Suspects Already Held

Officials said the crackdown is part of an ongoing operation against what is being described as one of the largest cyber fraud networks unearthed in Pakistan.

So far, 673 foreign suspects have been arrested by special FIA/NCCIA teams. The estimated value of the online fraud runs into billions of rupees, with victims spread across multiple continents, sources added.

The investigation team has sought direct assistance from Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to expedite inter-agency coordination and international cooperation.

How the Scam Operated

According to investigators, the network ran a sophisticated multi-layered operation from within Pakistan.

Minute Mirror has learned that the law chamber of the parliamentarian allegedly provided facilitation to hundreds of foreigners through a registered company, which was used as a front for recruitment and financial transactions.

The accusations against the suspects include:

• Cyber romance and sex chat operations targeting citizens abroad
• Production of sexual content used for blackmail
• Extortion of large sums of money from foreigners through threats and coercion
• Online financial fraud, including phishing, credit card fraud, and crypto scams

Government Employees Allegedly Facilitated Network

In a troubling aspect of the case, four government employees are also among those arrested.

Sources said these employees were providing assistance to suspects at airports, helping them with immigration clearance and movement to avoid detection. Their role is being investigated for possible links to a larger facilitation ring within state institutions.

International Dimensions: Scam Spans 7 Countries

Officials revealed the mega scam spans seven countries. The network allegedly recruited operatives and targeted victims in China, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam and three other countries.

To pursue the international trail, help has been formally sought from the embassies of the above-mentioned countries. Requests include data sharing, tracing of bank accounts, and coordination for repatriation and extradition of suspects.

“This is not a local crime. It is a transnational organized network that used Pakistan as an operational hub,” a senior NCCIA official said on condition of anonymity.

Custody and Legal Proceedings

Following the latest arrests, the accused have been transferred to Attock and Adiala Jails. Remaining suspects who were arrested earlier have been moved to a recently declared sub-jail where special interrogation facilities have been set up.

FIA and NCCIA officials said forensic analysis of seized digital devices, company records, and financial transactions is underway. More arrests are expected as the data is decrypted.

Key Facts at a Glance

• New Arrests: 6 people arrested recently, including 2 from a politician’s office
• Total Suspects: 673 foreign suspects arrested so far in the mega scam
• Scam Activities: Cyber romance scams, production of sexual content, extortion, and online financial fraud
• Inside Help: 4 government employees, including airport staff, allegedly facilitated suspects
• Global Reach: Network operates across 7 countries; embassies of China, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam + 3 others involved
• Current Status: Investigation ongoing under supervision of Ministry of Interior

Authorities said further details will be released once initial interrogations and forensic reports are completed. The case has been marked as a top priority due to its diplomatic and financial implications.

The investigation is ongoing.