NCCIA detains 36 suspects in Lahore call centre crackdown

The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has detained 36 suspects during a raid against allegedly illegal call centres

LAHORE: The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has detained 36 suspects during a raid against allegedly illegal call centres operating in Lahore, as authorities step up action against networks accused of targeting foreign citizens through online and telephone fraud.

According to officials, NCCIA teams conducted operations in Johar Town and Faisal Town, where several unauthorised call centre operations were allegedly being run. Investigators said the facilities were being used to contact people abroad and deceive them through fraudulent representations of telecom and mobile service providers.

Officials said the suspects allegedly used dial-up and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) software to make international calls. During conversations, callers reportedly presented themselves as representatives of mobile phone companies or telecommunications services and offered victims fake mobile upgrades, network packages and other services.

The investigation is focused on determining how the alleged operations were organised, identifying the individuals behind them and tracing the financial proceeds generated through the suspected fraud.

During the raids, NCCIA teams recovered a substantial quantity of digital equipment, including computers, laptops and mobile phones. According to investigators, an initial examination of the seized devices revealed software and data that may be connected with the alleged fraudulent activities.

Several vehicles suspected to have been purchased using proceeds from criminal activity were also seized during the operation.

The Additional Director of the NCCIA Lahore Zone confirmed that more than three dozen individuals had been detained in the raids. Authorities are now examining the individual roles of the suspects and investigating the possible involvement of owners, facilitators and other associates connected with the alleged network.

A case has been registered against the suspects under relevant provisions of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) and the Pakistan Penal Code. The digital devices recovered during the operation have been sent for detailed forensic examination, while investigators are working to establish the complete structure and financial trail of the suspected operation.

The Lahore action is part of the NCCIA’s wider crackdown, referred to by the agency as Operation Grey, against illegal foreign call centres and organised cyber-fraud networks.

According to officials, the agency has identified 93 suspected illegal call centres across Pakistan allegedly involved in activities including financial fraud, unlawful remittance-related transactions and unregistered international call operations.

The latest operation follows several actions by NCCIA teams in different cities. In Lahore, 11 suspects were arrested last week from Gulberg III and Garden Town for allegedly posing as bank officials and representatives of UK-based service companies. Investigators reportedly uncovered fraud involving around Rs1 million.

In Karachi, authorities earlier detained 27 suspects, including three alleged owners and four Afghan nationals, during action against an alleged international scam call centre in the Shahrah-e-Faisal area.

In another Lahore operation, 110 suspects were detained in connection with an alleged investment-fraud network operating through Telegram and WhatsApp under the name SK Trading.

The NCCIA Punjab director has directed officials to intensify efforts against organised cyber-fraud groups and dismantle networks involved in targeting victims in Pakistan and abroad.

Officials said the investigation into the Lahore call centres remains ongoing. Authorities are examining the seized devices, tracing suspected financial transactions and attempting to identify potential victims and overseas links associated with the network.

The agency has also urged citizens to remain cautious of unsolicited calls, investment offers and requests for personal or financial information, and to report suspected cyber fraud through official channels.