LAHORE: Pakistan’s cybercrime authorities have arrested 39 people, including 38 men and one woman, after raiding an alleged illegal call centre in Lahore accused of blackmailing loan borrowers using AI-generated fake explicit images.
Illegal Call Centre Raided in Lahore
The operation was conducted at the premises of Talk Master Private Limited in GCP Society, Lahore, under the supervision of Cybercrime Additional Director Atif Ameer after investigators obtained search warrants.
During the raid, authorities arrested the 39 suspects and seized 40 laptops and 41 mobile phones from the premises. The devices have been secured for forensic examination.
Loan Apps Allegedly Used to Access Personal Data
Investigators said the call centre was operating several instant loan applications, including Gurbat Fund, Jahez Fund, Cash Air, Credit Check and Credit Support.
According to investigators, these applications allegedly gained access to borrowers’ photo galleries and contact lists after installation on their mobile phones.
AI Images Allegedly Used for Blackmail
Authorities allege that when borrowers failed to repay loans on time, call centre employees used artificial intelligence tools to manipulate their photographs and create fake explicit images.
The victims were then allegedly threatened with having the fabricated images sent to their relatives, friends and other contacts unless they made immediate payments.
Digital Evidence Sent for Forensic Analysis
The seized laptops and mobile phones will undergo forensic examination as investigators try to determine how the alleged operation worked and identify the roles of the arrested individuals.
Authorities are also investigating the money received through the operation and whether the alleged network had connections outside Pakistan.
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Further Investigation Underway
A case has been registered against the suspects, while investigators are continuing their probe to determine whether additional people were involved.
The arrests highlight growing concerns over illegal digital lending operations and the misuse of borrowers’ personal information for alleged harassment and blackmail.
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