NCCIA arrests over 1,000 suspects in 12 days, including 600 in Lahore, busts child exploitation network

The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has arrested more than 1,000 suspects across Pakistan within the past 10 to 12 days,

LAHORE: The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has arrested more than 1,000 suspects across Pakistan within the past 10 to 12 days, including over 600 in Lahore, as part of a major crackdown on cybercrime, Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said on Friday.

Addressing a press conference in Lahore alongside senior NCCIA officials, Naqvi highlighted recent operations against international child exploitation networks, online blackmail, illegal call centres and other cybercrime activities. Officials also warned social media users that online misconduct could lead to legal action.

NCCIA Issues Warning to Social Media Users

Additional Director NCCIA Lahore Atif Ameer warned users that their online activities could be monitored as part of the agency’s cyber surveillance operations.

He said the agency, acting on the directions of Director General Syed Nasir Ali Rizvi, was focusing on illegal call centres, anti-state content and online harassment, particularly offences targeting women.

According to Ameer, cyber patrolling teams are monitoring platforms including Facebook, X, WhatsApp and Snapchat. He warned that individuals involved in online harassment, defamatory content and other unlawful activities would face legal consequences.

International Child Exploitation Network Busted

In a major breakthrough, the NCCIA arrested four alleged members of an international child exploitation network, including three suspects from Azad Kashmir and one from Islamabad. More than 60 videos and other objectionable material were reportedly recovered from their mobile phones.

Investigators said the suspects operated organised WhatsApp groups and maintained connections across Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad.

According to officials, the network allegedly targeted children aged between six and 14 by offering money and gifts and gaining their trust. The suspects allegedly exploited the children and produced abusive material for distribution and sale on the dark web and through international networks.

Additional Arrests and Call Centre Raid

The NCCIA Lahore Zone also arrested three alleged suspects identified as Faizan, Hassan and Ammar in operations linked to Faisalabad and Gujranwala. Officials said the individuals were connected to multiple cases registered through first information reports (FIRs).

In a separate operation, the agency raided an alleged illegal call centre in Lahore’s Johar Town. Several laptops, mobile phones and other digital devices were seized and sent for forensic examination to investigate possible international connections.

Ameer said the agency was also employing artificial intelligence-based monitoring systems to identify suspected child exploitation material and trace related online activity.

Minister Highlights Online Blackmail and Fraud

Naqvi said many complaints received by the agency concerned child harassment and the blackmailing of women through photographs and videos, sometimes obtained from social media profiles.

He urged women to exercise caution when sharing personal images online and advised citizens against transferring money to unknown individuals requesting financial assistance through the internet.

Staff Shortage and Awareness Campaign

The minister revealed that the NCCIA had arrested more than 600 suspects in Lahore alone during the reported period, while the nationwide figure had exceeded 1,000. He also acknowledged a staffing shortage, saying the agency had only 61 personnel for the entire Punjab province.

Naqvi said efforts were underway to strengthen the agency’s workforce and improve public services at its offices.

Officials announced plans for a public awareness campaign aimed at educating children, parents and other citizens about online safety. The NCCIA urged parents to monitor children’s internet activities and report suspicious behaviour promptly.

The agency said protecting children and addressing cybercrime would remain key priorities as investigations into the alleged networks continued.

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