NCCIA cracks down on cybercrime, arrests 4 suspects in Punjab

According to the agency, legal proceedings have been initiated on the basis of digital evidence collected during the investigations. Authorities

LAHORE: The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Punjab has intensified its campaign against cybercrime, arresting four suspects in coordinated operations carried out in Lahore, Faisalabad and Multan. The arrests are linked to alleged cases of online harassment, blackmail and the misuse of social media platforms.

According to the agency, legal proceedings have been initiated on the basis of digital evidence collected during the investigations. Authorities have also seized mobile phones and other electronic devices from the suspects, all of which have been sent for forensic examination to support the ongoing inquiries.

In Lahore, officials arrested Haroon Qureshi, who is accused of repeatedly targeting women through various social media platforms by allegedly harassing, threatening and intimidating them. Investigators are examining the digital material recovered from his devices to determine the full extent of the alleged offences.

In a separate operation in Faisalabad, NCCIA apprehended Abdul Rehman and Muhammad Ayaz. Preliminary investigations suggest the pair allegedly blackmailed a married couple using objectionable digital content and are accused of extorting money from them. During the raid, investigators recovered two mobile phones, WhatsApp accounts and alleged objectionable digital material related to several women. The seized evidence has been forwarded for forensic analysis to identify additional victims and any wider criminal network.

Meanwhile, in Multan, authorities arrested Farhad Abbas on allegations of sharing a woman’s private photographs and videos on social media and using them to blackmail her. Investigators are reviewing the suspect’s digital records to identify possible accomplices and determine whether more victims may be involved.

The NCCIA said forensic examination of the recovered digital evidence is continuing in all cases and investigations are being conducted in accordance with legal procedures. The agency also urged the public, particularly women, to report incidents of online harassment, blackmail, fake social media accounts or any other form of cybercrime without delay so that prompt legal action can be taken against those responsible.