The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has arrested more than 200 people during a crackdown on alleged scam call centres operating in Karachi, Additional Director Shahzad Akbar has said.
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Speaking about the operation, Shahzad Akbar said between 300 and 350 skimming and scam call centres were operating in the city. He added that cybercrime was increasing as traditional forms of criminal activity increasingly shifted to digital platforms.
The NCCIA official said the agency would not give any concession to individuals involved in financial fraud and other cybercrime activities.
More Than 200 Arrested in Crackdown
According to Shahzad Akbar, the NCCIA has taken action against one of three major companies operating in the sector. He said the same company had also faced action in the past.
More than 200 people were arrested during the operation, including around 100 women and 42 teenage boys and girls, he added.
The agency has registered a case against the alleged network. Shahzad Akbar also said the NCCIA would bring the parents of underage workers into the legal process under Section 109.
The official expressed concern that young people who should be pursuing their education were instead working at these call centres. He added that local residents and retired individuals had also been targeted through alleged fraudulent schemes.
NCCIA Seizes 329 Laptops
Shahzad Akbar said investigators seized 329 laptops during the operation. According to him, the devices contained fake identification documents and credit card details.
He said individuals holding credit cards were allegedly deceived through different offers, after which their accounts were emptied through fraudulent activities.
The additional director explained that suspects used fake profiles and concealed identities to access victims’ accounts and obtain money illegally.
The agency is investigating the alleged network and its involvement in financial fraud.
NCCIA Also Monitoring Online Drug Networks
The NCCIA official said the agency was also working against drug networks allegedly operating in universities, where narcotics were being supplied through online channels.
He added that the agency was monitoring individuals operating outside educational institutions who were allegedly involved in fraud.
Shahzad Akbar said action would be taken against those found involved in such activities and challans would be submitted to the relevant courts.
The NCCIA’s latest operation highlights concerns over the use of digital platforms for financial fraud, identity theft and other cybercrime activities in Karachi.
