The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has arrested 42 people in cases related to alleged child sexual exploitation and pornography, Deputy Director Shahzad Akbar said on Friday.
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Addressing a press conference, Akbar outlined the agency’s recent operations against cybercrime, including online exploitation, fake videos and compromised social media accounts.
He said the agency had conducted a raid in a case involving the alleged targeting of underage children through the dark web. According to the official, 12 children had been targeted in the case.
The allegations are under investigation, and the suspects’ criminal responsibility will be determined through the legal process.
NCCIA Investigates Alleged Dark Web Exploitation
According to Akbar, the agency’s team conducted a raid the previous night as part of an investigation into alleged child sexual exploitation involving the dark web.
He said investigators believed that 12 children had been targeted. The official also described a payment arrangement involving Rs6,000 for every $100 connected with the activity, although further details about the alleged transactions were not provided in the statement.
Akbar warned that online platforms and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, could be misused to target minors.
The NCCIA said its operations were aimed at identifying those responsible for online exploitation and addressing threats to children’s safety in digital spaces.
Teenage Girl Reportedly Protected in Investigation
Akbar said the agency had secured a girl aged between 14 and 15 who had allegedly become a victim in a case linked to the dark web.
According to the official, the girl used social media platforms and messaging applications. He cautioned that some online interactions and applications could expose users to harmful digital environments.
Akbar added that the girl’s parents had noticed changes in her behaviour over the preceding six months.
The case highlights concerns about the online safety of children and the importance of early intervention when parents or guardians notice signs that a child may be facing online threats.
NCCIA Reports Recovery of Hacked Accounts
The deputy director said the agency had recovered 39 hacked accounts in one week.
He also reported that more than 70 accounts had been blocked over what the agency described as anti-state activities.
Akbar said a suspect identified as Hamza had been arrested a day earlier for allegedly sharing anti-state content since March 2026.
The claims concerning the accounts and the suspect were presented by the agency as part of its recent enforcement activities.
Warning Over WhatsApp Business Account Security
Akbar also warned users about the risk of WhatsApp Business accounts being hacked.
He said advertisements displayed while users were viewing online content could contain bugs. However, he did not provide technical details about the reported incidents or explain how the alleged vulnerabilities were being exploited.
Users should avoid clicking suspicious advertisements or unfamiliar links, keep their applications updated and enable available account security features. They should also avoid sharing verification codes or account access details with unknown individuals.
NCCIA Highlights Growing Online Safety Concerns
The agency said its recent operations covered cybercrime, alleged online exploitation, compromised accounts and prohibited content.
The reported arrests and account recoveries underline the need for greater awareness of online risks, particularly those involving children and vulnerable users.
Parents and guardians can help protect children by maintaining open communication about online activities, reviewing privacy settings together and encouraging children to report uncomfortable or suspicious interactions.
The investigation into the alleged dark web exploitation case is ongoing, according to the details shared by the NCCIA official.
