The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) conducted raids on three call centres over a 24 hour period in Islamabad, apprehending 212 individuals suspected of involvement in international fraud schemes. In a statement issued on September 22, the NCCIA spokesperson said the operations targeted facilities in sectors E-11 and G-10 allegedly involved in various online fraudulent activities.

According to an NCCIA spokesperson, the suspects, comprising Pakistani and Chinese nationals, were allegedly involved in Google-related fraud and low-dating scams. Authorities seized 306 mobile phones, 383 computers/CPUs, and 299 monitors and laptops during the raids.

The premises were temporarily designated as sub-jails to facilitate legal proceedings, while a case was registered under relevant cybercrime provisions. The alleged fraudulent activities reportedly had links to networks in India and Brazil, with further investigations underway into these international connections.

The operation follows recent NCCIA actions against cybercrime, including an August raid in Islamabad in which 114 foreign nationals were arrested for allegedly operating a cyber-romance and sextortion ring. In December, an operation in Karachi also led to the arrest of 34 individuals allegedly involved in fake investment schemes.