A case has been registered at a cybercrime police station, and an investigation is underway. Initial findings have identified 18 suspects allegedly involved in the scam, while two have been arrested, according to the available information.
The agency has also arranged for the names of all 18 suspects to be placed on the Exit Control List (ECL), preventing them from travelling abroad.
Investigators said the suspects allegedly defrauded hundreds of people by promising investment opportunities and collecting large sums of money.
Following disclosures made by the arrested suspects, the investigation has been expanded. Forensic examinations of mobile phones and laptops used by the arrested individuals are also underway.
Assistant Director Rana Mohsin said teams had been formed to arrest the remaining suspects.
Interior Minister Highlights Online Fraud Targeting Women
The development comes as Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has raised concerns about the growing number of online fraud and cybercrime cases, particularly those involving women.
During a visit to the NCCIA's Lahore office, Naqvi said women were being targeted in a significant number of reported online fraud cases. He also warned about the misuse of personal photographs and video-based blackmail.
He said the government would provide full support to the agency and increase its operational capacity.
Naqvi pointed to a shortage of staff in Punjab, saying the NCCIA had only 61 personnel there. He questioned how investigations could be handled effectively if a single investigating officer was assigned 3,000 to 4,000 cases.
The minister said steps were being taken to strengthen the cybercrime police and raise public awareness about online scams. He advised citizens not to transfer money to people making suspicious requests, including those claiming to be ill and asking for financial assistance.
During an open forum at the agency's zonal headquarters, Naqvi also heard complaints from citizens. A large number of women reported cases of online harassment and cyber blackmail.
NCCIA Rescues Minor Girl From Alleged Dark Web Network
The minister's visit followed another NCCIA operation in Karachi, where officials said a minor girl had been rescued from an alleged online network linked to the dark web.
According to agency officials, the operation was carried out following information from an international intelligence agency.
Officials said the girl had allegedly been assigned dangerous tasks by members of the online group. The first task reportedly involved poisoning and killing a cat, which she allegedly carried out.
The group then allegedly instructed her to seriously harm herself. However, the NCCIA reached her before she could act on the instruction and informed her parents, who were reportedly unaware of her online activities.
The agency said investigations were continuing into the online accounts that had been in contact with the girl, the group's activities and other individuals allegedly connected to the network.
