ISLAMABAD, The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) in Rawalpindi and Islamabad has dismantled two illegal call centres within three days and arrested 154 suspects involved in a major transnational cyber fraud and blackmail network.

According to official details, the coordinated operations targeted clandestine facilities operating across the twin cities. In Rawalpindi, NCCIA teams raided an illegal call centre functioning inside a residential house, apprehending 11 suspects, including 10 women and one man. In a separate, large-scale raid in Islamabad, authorities arrested 143 suspects, including 43 women, from another illegal call centre.

Modus Operandi: Predatory Loan Apps and Digital Blackmail

An NCCIA spokesperson revealed that the arrested syndicate targeted citizens across South Asian countries through organized transnational fraud. The network operated by luring victims into installing fraudulent mobile applications under the guise of quick personal loans.

Once installed, the malicious apps harvested sensitive personal mobile data, contacts, and private photographs from victims' devices. The suspects then edited these images and videos to fabricate obscene content, using the manipulated material to harass and extort victims. Officials confirmed that 37 suspects arrested during the crackdown were specifically involved in running blackmail operations for the past two to three years. Formal cases have been registered against all detainees, and further investigations are underway.

Zero Tolerance Policy and Public Safety Advisory

Speaking on the successful operation, Additional Director Shoaib Khan reaffirmed that the agency maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against cyber fraud networks, announcing that a major crackdown will soon be launched against scams operating under the cover of online betting and gaming.

Issuing an urgent advisory to parents and the general public, Additional Director Shoaib Khan highlighted several critical precautions:

• Parental Vigilance: Parents were urged to closely monitor their children’s employment, as working in illegal call centres for the lure of high salaries severely damages their criminal records and future prospects.

• Loan App & Data Security: Citizens were warned never to install unverified loan applications or share personal photographs, mobile data, or details of relatives with unknown parties.

• Online Betting Scams: The public was cautioned to avoid online betting and gaming platforms, which typically offer initial small profits to build trust before draining users' financial accounts.

• Reporting Cybercrime: Citizens encountering any form of cybercrime or online harassment are advised to immediately report the matter via the 1799 helpline or visit their nearest NCCIA circle office.