LAHORE: The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Multan has apprehended five individuals belonging to an organized criminal network involved in financial fraud by impersonating bank officials and tricking citizens into revealing sensitive banking information. An NCCIA spokesperson confirmed the development on Monday, stating that the operation was conducted under the special directives of NCCIA Punjab Director Muhammad Ali Waseem.
Fraudulent Scheme Unveiled
The suspects allegedly defrauded a Multan resident, Saleem Raza, by posing as bank representatives over the phone and obtaining confidential details of his bank account. Using the stolen information, the accused reportedly transferred Rs 500,000 from the complainant’s account without authorization.
Arrests and Recoveries
Following a thorough investigation, the NCCIA registered FIR No. 84/2026 and launched a targeted crackdown against the suspects. The arrested individuals have been identified as Akhtar Ali, Muhammad Anwar, Arshad Mehmood, Gohar Zeb, and Shahid Hussain. They reportedly hail from Peshawar, Shorkot, Jhang, and Faisalabad. During raids, the NCCIA recovered six mobile phones and eight international SIM cards from the possession of the accused, which were allegedly being used in cyber fraud activities.
Legal Proceedings
A case has been registered against the suspects under relevant provisions of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016 and the Pakistan Penal Code. Further investigation is underway, led by SHO Tahir Mehmood.
Commendation and Future Action
NCCIA Punjab Director Muhammad Ali Waseem commended the Multan team for the successful operation and announced cash rewards and appreciation certificates for the officers and officials involved. He reiterated that indiscriminate action against cybercriminals causing financial losses to citizens would continue across the province.
