The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency Punjab has busted a fake call centre in Lahore and arrested seven suspects, including three women, as part of a province-wide crackdown against organised gangs allegedly involved in online investment and financial fraud.
Trading Call Centre Used To Target Citizens
According to NCCIA Punjab Director Muhammad Ali Waseem, the agency has launched action against organised groups accused of running online investment and financial fraud operations.
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An NCCIA spokesperson said the suspects were operating a trading call centre in Lahore and allegedly duped citizens through WhatsApp messages and mobile phone calls. Victims were lured into fraudulent investment schemes with promises of lucrative returns.
The suspects were identified as Ejaz Ahmed, Muhammad Abdullah, Akhlaq Ali, Muhammad Hamza, Fiza, Samreen and Noreen. A case has been registered against them under various sections of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016 and the Pakistan Penal Code.
Victims Lured Through WhatsApp And Social Media
The spokesperson said the suspects used WhatsApp, mobile phone calls and social media platforms to contact victims and offer fake investment opportunities. The victims’ money was allegedly transferred into various bank accounts and digital wallets controlled by the gang.
Officials said the group had set up a fully operational call centre where several operators were engaged in trapping citizens in fake trading and investment schemes.
One victim, Khurram Ashfaq, said the suspects fraudulently obtained Rs2,779,501 from him after luring him into investing in an online trading application.
Phones, SIM Cards And Biometric Devices Recovered
During the raid, NCCIA recovered nine mobile phones, four computer systems, 415 fake active SIM cards, 610 fake silicone thumb impressions, 56 ATM cards and 13 biometric verification devices from the suspects.
The recovery, officials said, points to the scale of the alleged operation and the use of multiple digital tools to contact victims, manage accounts and support fraudulent financial transactions.
