NCCIA busts Rawalpindi call centre, arrests 61 in loan fraud probe

According to official information obtained by Minute Mirror, the call centre was operating from Satellite Town under the appearance of a legitimate

RAWALPINDI: The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has arrested 61 people after raiding an alleged illegal call centre in Rawalpindi’s Commercial Market, where investigators suspect an international loan fraud and extortion operation was being run.

According to official information obtained by Minute Mirror, the call centre was operating from Satellite Town under the appearance of a legitimate business process outsourcing and customer-support office. Investigators said the facility allegedly targeted foreign citizens, with operators working in shifts and making calls linked to purported loan recovery.

Initial findings suggest that the suspects allegedly posed as representatives of international loan applications and used personal information obtained from borrowers. The data was allegedly used to pressure victims and their contacts through threatening calls, abusive messages and other forms of intimidation to extract money in the name of loan repayments, interest and penalties.

During the operation, NCCIA teams recovered 71 mobile phones and 155 laptops, besides administrative records, servers and other data. Officials are verifying the precise number and condition of the recovered devices following the raid.

The seized digital equipment and attendance records have been secured and transferred for forensic examination. Investigators are examining call recordings, chat records, WhatsApp communications and alleged payment details to establish the network’s operations and identify those directing it.

The arrested suspects reportedly include floor managers, team leaders and call agents. A case has been registered, while investigators are widening the probe to determine the identities of the alleged owners, financiers and possible foreign handlers associated with the operation.

NCCIA is also conducting follow-up investigations and raids as it seeks to trace the alleged masterminds behind the network.

The action comes amid an ongoing crackdown against illegal call centres and cyber-enabled financial fraud. An NCCIA spokesperson confirmed the arrests and recoveries and said action would be taken against those involved in cyber extortion in accordance with the law.