ISLAMABAD/LAHORE: The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has intensified its crackdown on illegal call centers involved in alleged online fraud, with dozens of suspects arrested in recent operations across Islamabad and Lahore.
The latest actions are part of a wider campaign against call centers accused of targeting people through fraudulent schemes and illegally obtaining personal or financial information.
NCCIA Targets Fraudulent Call Centers
In Lahore, NCCIA teams recently conducted separate raids against alleged fraudulent call centers. One operation resulted in the arrest of 26 suspects, including 17 women and nine men.
Investigators said one group allegedly operated an online honey-trap network, while another call center allegedly targeted UK citizens with fraudulent offers for mobile phones and communication services.
Suspects Accused of Online Fraud
According to investigators, the alleged honey-trap network contacted victims through digital platforms before using video calls and other methods to obtain financial benefits.
In the second Lahore operation, suspects allegedly offered mobile devices and promotional packages to foreign customers, taking payments but failing to deliver the promised products. NCCIA officials recovered mobile phones and laptops during the raids.
Earlier Lahore Raid Leads to 39 Arrests
The latest crackdown follows another major NCCIA operation in Lahore in which 39 people were arrested from an alleged illegal call center operating under the cover of a fake medical billing company.
Officials said the suspects allegedly contacted foreign citizens, collected personal and financial information and sought credit and debit card details. Authorities seized computers, laptops, mobile phones and vehicles during the operation.
Islamabad Also Faces Major Crackdown
NCCIA has also conducted extensive operations against illegal call centers in Islamabad. In September, raids at three alleged call centers in sectors E-11 and G-10 resulted in 212 people being taken into custody.
Authorities recovered hundreds of mobile phones, computers, monitors and other digital equipment. Investigators were examining alleged international links and possible involvement in schemes including online fraud, fake profiles, loan scams and fraudulent trading offers.
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Investigation Into Wider Networks Continues
The NCCIA has indicated that investigations into the arrested suspects and seized digital evidence are continuing. Authorities are also working to identify wider networks and determine the financial and international connections behind the alleged operations.
The agency has repeatedly warned against illegal call-center activities, particularly those targeting foreign citizens and involving identity theft, financial fraud or misuse of personal information.
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