The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has arrested a software developer Faheem Akram from Pakistan’s Lahore over his alleged involvement in a $126 million fraud involving counterfeit United States postage labels, officials said.
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According to the NCCIA, Akram allegedly operated a website selling counterfeit US postage labels, causing estimated losses of more than $126 million to the United States Postal Service (USPS).
NCCIA Lahore Zone Additional Director Atif Ameer said during a press conference that Akram had operated a fake website from August 2023 to September 2026. The website allegedly marketed and sold counterfeit postage labels to customers in the United States.
Ameer said the website offered labels at uniform prices for packages of different types and sizes, allegedly bypassing the official USPS system. Investigators believe approximately 5.1 million counterfeit labels were sold through the website.
The allegations have prompted an investigation involving Pakistani authorities and US law enforcement agencies.
FBI Information Led to Investigation
According to NCCIA officials, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) traced the suspect and shared information with Pakistani authorities, leading to the investigation and his eventual arrest.
The agency said investigators identified 16 bank accounts belonging to members of Akram’s family that were allegedly used to transfer money obtained through the scheme.
An NCCIA spokesperson said a 10-day operation was conducted to locate and arrest the suspect. During the operation, investigators questioned 47 people and analysed 122 call records.
Eight special teams, working under the supervision of Additional Director Atif Ameer, carried out raids at 35 locations across Punjab, Islamabad and Sindh before arresting Akram in Lahore.
The NCCIA has registered a case against the suspect. Further investigations are under way to establish the alleged fraud, trace financial transactions and determine whether other individuals were involved.
US Authorities Had Sought Suspect
The US Postal Inspection Service had listed Akram as a wanted suspect and announced a reward of up to $100,000 for information leading to his arrest and conviction.
WANTED: We’re offering up to a $100,000 reward for information leading to the arrest & conviction of Faheem Akram who operated an illegal website that sold over 5 million counterfeit postage labels. If you have a tip on his current whereabouts, please call our hotline at 📞 1-877-876-2455. https://t.co/CDy9EYNQ3A
— US Postal Inspection Service – Headquarters (@USPIS_HQ) October 7, 2026
US authorities have accused the 33-year-old, who reportedly belongs to Khanewal, of defrauding the US Postal Service. He was also indicted in a federal court in Florida in connection with the case.
An indictment represents formal criminal allegations and does not, by itself, establish guilt. The allegations against Akram remain subject to legal proceedings.
NCCIA Director General Reviews Operation
NCCIA Director General Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi reviewed the operation during a video conference with senior officers, including Deputy Director Hassan Sajjad Naqvi, Lahore Deputy Director Waqas Saeed and Additional Director Atif Ameer.
Rizvi congratulated the officers involved and praised their work and investigative strategy. He directed the agency to continue pursuing cybercrime cases.
The director general said protecting citizens from financial fraud, online scams and other cybercrimes remained a key responsibility of the agency.
Investigation Into Financial Transactions Continues
The case involves allegations of large-scale online fraud, the sale of millions of counterfeit postage labels and the movement of funds through multiple bank accounts.
Investigators are continuing to examine the website’s operations, financial transactions and possible links to other individuals. The NCCIA has not provided further details about the recovery of funds or the next stage of legal proceedings.
The outcome of the investigation and any proceedings in Pakistan or the United States will determine the legal consequences of the allegations.
