Islamabad call centres linked to Rs172bn scam

A major digital fraud and money laundering scandal involving an alleged Rs172 billion has resurfaced in Islamabad, with call centres reportedly being used to carry out fraudulent activities and move illicit funds.

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has constituted a new nine-member Joint Investigation Team (JIT) to conduct a fresh investigation into the case. The development comes nearly two years after authorities first uncovered a network allegedly involved in fraud through call centres.

According to preliminary findings, the suspected network used call centres to deceive victims and generate billions of rupees through fraudulent schemes. Investigators believe that approximately Rs172 billion obtained through the alleged fraud was subsequently laundered through different channels.

The money was reportedly transferred through multiple bank accounts and microfinance accounts before being moved out of the country. Investigators are now examining the financial trail to determine how the funds were collected, transferred and ultimately sent abroad.

The renewed investigation has also raised questions about the possible involvement of government officials. Authorities are examining whether any officials facilitated the alleged network or helped it operate without detection.

The formation of the nine-member JIT is aimed at investigating the entire network, tracing the movement of funds and identifying individuals and organisations involved in the alleged fraud and money laundering.

Investigators are expected to scrutinise banking and microfinance transactions linked to the suspected network. They will also examine the operation of the call centres and identify the individuals who allegedly managed or facilitated the fraudulent activities.

The case had initially come to light in 2025 when investigators detected a network allegedly involved in call-centre-based fraud. The scandal has now resurfaced as authorities move to expand the investigation and determine the full extent of the alleged financial crime.

The FIA’s latest probe will focus on tracing the allegedly laundered funds, identifying beneficiaries and determining whether the money was transferred abroad through formal banking channels or other financial mechanisms.

The investigation is also expected to establish whether the suspected fraud network operated independently or had support from insiders or officials. Any involvement of public servants will be determined after the completion of the investigation.