NCCIA Arrests 281 in Lahore Cybercrime Crackdown, Including 21 Foreigners

LAHORE: The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has apprehended 281 individuals, including 21 foreign nationals, during a series of operations targeting illegal call centres in Lahore. These centres are accused of engaging in financial fraud, online harassment, and honey-trapping schemes.

At a press conference on Friday, NCCIA Lahore Zone Additional Director Atif Ameer announced the intensified crackdown, emphasizing that the agency is committed to eradicating illegal call centre operations in the city. Among those arrested, 260 are Pakistani citizens, while the foreign nationals include 12 Chinese, five Filipinos, two Vietnamese, one Malaysian, and one Nepalese.

The operations yielded significant recoveries, including 362 mobile phones, 191 computer systems, 74 laptops, 127 other digital devices, and 550 SIM cards, all of which have been sent for forensic examination. Ameer stated that the agency will continue to take action against foreign nationals involved in cybercrime, highlighting the seriousness of these offenses.

As the NCCIA ramps up its efforts, the implications for public safety and trust in digital platforms are profound. The agency’s actions signal a robust response to the growing threat of cybercrime, particularly those targeting vulnerable populations. Moving forward, the NCCIA plans to enhance its investigative capabilities and collaborate with international law enforcement to address cross-border cybercrime.