The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has dismantled an illegal call center operating in Karachi, arresting five individuals allegedly involved in large-scale digital fraud. The operation, carried out in the Bara Bukhari area of Defence Phase-6, highlights growing concerns over cybercrime networks targeting citizens through sophisticated hacking schemes.
According to NCCIA Additional Director Tariq Nawaz, the raid was conducted on the basis of credible intelligence that a fraud network was being run from the premises. Authorities said the owner of the call center, Jawad Khan, resides overseas and is believed to be a key figure behind the operation.
The arrested suspects were identified as Alwin, Malik Nisar, Sheraz Tariq, Sheharyar Tariq, and Wise. Initial findings indicate that the group allegedly hacked bank accounts and transferred funds to third-party accounts, targeting unsuspecting individuals.
Officials recovered 11 CPUs, one laptop, 13 mobile phones, and important documents believed to contain evidence of fraudulent transactions. Investigators say the seized devices will assist in tracing the flow of funds and identifying additional members of the network.
The raid comes amid a broader crackdown on cyber-based financial crimes in Karachi. In a separate operation, the Central Investigation Agency’s Special Investigation Unit (SIU) arrested a suspect accused of hacking women’s bank accounts and extorting money.
SSP SIU Muhammad Imran confirmed that the suspect, identified as Osama, allegedly targeted women and demanded extortion payments after gaining access to their personal financial data. Authorities said he collected Rs1 million from one victim alone and was previously known to law enforcement. A mobile phone used in the extortion activity was recovered from his possession.
Police officials have registered cases against the suspects and initiated further investigation to track financial trails, potential collaborators, and digital infrastructure linked to the operations.
The recent arrests underscore the evolving nature of cyber-enabled crimes in Pakistan, where fraudulent networks increasingly rely on digital tools, social engineering, and international coordination. Cybersecurity experts say the rise in hacking incidents reflects both technological vulnerabilities and lack of user awareness, urging stronger digital safeguards by banks, businesses, and individuals.
Law enforcement officials stated that more operations of this scale are expected as authorities intensify their focus on financial cybercrime, particularly schemes targeting everyday users.
