Honey-trap, cyber blackmail ring busted as 3 arrested in Multan

According to an NCCIA spokesperson, the suspects allegedly used fake identities on social media to establish contact with unsuspecting citizens before

LAHORE: The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Lahore has arrested three suspected members of a honey-trap and cyber blackmailing network during a raid in Multan, officials said.

According to an NCCIA spokesperson, the suspects allegedly used fake identities on social media to establish contact with unsuspecting citizens before moving conversations to WhatsApp. They would then use video calls to obtain private pictures and videos, which were allegedly used to threaten victims and extort money from them.

The operation was carried out on the special directions of NCCIA Punjab Director Muhammad Ali Waseem. Acting on intelligence, an NCCIA Lahore team raided a house in Basti Saleh Mahaye, near Nawabpur Road in Multan, and arrested Dil Hassan, Umar Saeed and Umair Hassan.

Initial investigations suggest that the suspects had allegedly collected millions of rupees from victims through the same method. Investigators have also secured evidence relating to financial transactions and money transfers as part of the probe.

Three mobile phones were recovered during the raid. The agency said an initial forensic examination revealed several WhatsApp accounts, photographs, videos and other potentially significant digital evidence. A detailed forensic analysis is now under way.

During questioning, investigators also came across the names of Muhammad Farhan, Sohail alias Loli, Zahid Haraj and Shahid Haraj, along with several other individuals. Their alleged involvement and possible links to the network are being examined.

The NCCIA is now working to identify additional members of the suspected network, trace the social media accounts allegedly used in the scheme, follow the money trail and identify other potential victims.

NCCIA Punjab Director Muhammad Ali Waseem said operations against individuals involved in honey-trapping and cyber blackmailing would be intensified, stressing that those found involved would face legal action under the law.