276 foreigners involved in online fraud arrested in FIA raid

ISLAMABAD – In its ongoing crackdown against call centres involved in online financial fraud and other cybercrimes, the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) on Wednesday arrested another group of 276 foreigners during a raid at an alleged illegal online business facility located in Sector I-10/3.

Key points

• The suspects have been shifted to the NCCIA's detention centers in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, according to details.
• During the operation, the presence of foreigners of multiple nationalities working at the premises was observed.
• "NCCIA reiterates its resolve to take strict legal action against organized cybercrime and protect citizens from online exploitation, fraud and deception, " the spokesperson remarked.

For context, the suspects have been shifted to the NCCIA's detention centers in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, according to details.

Last week, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA)'s Anti-Human Trafficking Cell and the NCCIA had arrested as plenty of as 406 foreigners, including 46 women, during a raid at a call centre situated in Islamabad for their alleged involvement in digital scams, online illegal activities and visa violations.

After a tip-off regarding suspected illegal cyber activities, the NCCIA Crime Reporting Centre Islamabad conducted a search operation during the raid at the premises of the call centre operating under the name "Aofu Group".

Preliminary assessment of the confiscated material indicates that the call centre was allegedly involved in "online solicitation and inducement of individuals for sexual conversations and video activities, impersonation and cheating for monetary gain through electronic means, " a spokesperson the NCCIA remarked.

Meanwhile, the anti-cybercrime body has registered a first information report (FIR) against the management of the centre and individuals working there under Sections 14 and 21 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016 and sections 419, 420, 34 and 109 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).

During the operation, the presence of foreigners of multiple nationalities working at the premises was observed. The establishment was reportedly operating with a multinational foreign workforce. It is being examined as part of the ongoing investigation, the spokesperson remarked.

He continued that the premises were searched and electronic devices and other relevant material connected with the suspected activities were recovered and taken into possession through proper seizure memos.

For context, the probe is being conducted to ascertain the complete modus operandi, identify all persons involved and determine their respective roles, including the involvement of foreign nationals, according to the NCCIA.

For now, 276 foreigners involved in online fraud arrested in FIA raid remains the part of the story worth watching, and further updates are likely as more details are confirmed.