-
-
The Ministry of Interior has expanded the authority of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), empowering it to freeze properties linked to financial and cybercrimes.
The updated rules were formally notified this week and are now in immediate effect.
According to NCCIA Director General Waqaruddin Syed, all property-freezing actions will require his prior approval to ensure oversight.
The new framework also authorizes the agency to coordinate with international bodies on cross-border investigations, strengthening Pakistan’s ability to dismantle transnational cybercrime networks.
The NCCIA’s widened mandate covers investigations under the Pakistan Penal Code, in coordination with sensitive institutions and provincial governments.
Specialized units will soon be established to counter online financial fraud and online child exploitation two rapidly growing threats in the country.
Read More: Pakistan sees rise in honey traps, fake job scams
Transparency measures have also been built into the regulations. NCCIA personnel are now required to wear uniforms, while a dedicated accountability unit will oversee internal conduct and ethical standards.
Investigations can be initiated based on credible source reports but must receive approval from the director general.
The regulatory update follows NCCIA’s recent operation against a major cybercrime network in Multan. The agency arrested the prime suspect, Arsalan from Dunyapur, accused of running elaborate scams on WhatsApp, Facebook, and matrimonial platforms.
Victims were lured with fake game shows, marriage proposals, and foreign aid offers.
To build trust, the gang showcased fabricated videos of foreign currency before demanding “tax” payments defrauding people of millions of rupees.
Officials say the new rules will not only enhance NCCIA’s operational capacity but also strengthen Pakistan’s cybercrime defenses in line with international standards.
