In a significant crackdown on digital crime, Pakistan's National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has reported major successes for the year 2025, despite facing internal controversies. The agency froze a massive 46,056 bank accounts and digital wallets linked to illicit activities.
Major Recoveries and Investigations
The anti-cybercrime body successfully recovered over Rs 461 million for victims of online financial fraud and scams. According to official data, the NCCIA investigated a total of 2,196 major cybercrime cases throughout the year. These cases spanned a wide range of crimes including online fraud, data breaches, ransomware attacks, and other financially motivated cyber offenses.
The agency's efforts led to the disruption of five major organized cybercrime networks that were operating both within Pakistan and across international borders. With a case resolution rate of 36 percent, the NCCIA's actions resulted in 2,902 arrests and 774 successful prosecutions.
Controversies and Key Operations
The year was not without challenges for the newly formed agency. Earlier in 2025, the NCCIA found itself embroiled in controversy when several of its officials were arrested and charged. They were accused of extorting money and accepting bribes from prominent YouTuber Saadur Rehman, popularly known as Ducky Bhai, who was facing a case related to promoting gambling apps on social media.
Despite these setbacks, the agency pressed ahead with critical operations. It launched "Operation Brown", a targeted initiative against online child exploitation networks. This operation led to the registration of 35 cases and an equal number of arrests.
Structural Reforms and Future Plans
The NCCIA was formally established by the federal government in April 2025, following the merger of the Federal Investigation Agency's (FIA) defunct Cyber Crime Wing into the new body. The agency is structured with several key departments, including a Digital Forensics and Evidence Unit, Financial Cyber Crime Unit, Cyber Intelligence Unit, Online Child Protection Unit, and a Public Awareness and Prevention Unit.
To enhance its capabilities, the NCCIA deployed advanced cyber intelligence platforms utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning for proactive threat identification. It also trained over 300 law enforcement officers from federal and provincial commands in advanced cyber investigation techniques.
On the public engagement front, the agency launched a national awareness campaign that reached an estimated two million citizens, supplemented by more than 50 smaller campaigns. It published over 30 public service advisories on emerging threats like phishing, identity theft, and cryptocurrency scams.
Internationally, the NCCIA hosted the Regional Cyber Crime Investigators Forum in 2025, fostering cooperation with more than five neighboring nations.
Looking ahead, Director General of the NCCIA, Syed Khurram Ali, stated that the agency plans to launch a National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal in the coming year. This portal aims to streamline citizen reporting. The NCCIA also intends to establish dedicated Joint Investigation Teams (JITs) in collaboration with key economic sectors to bolster the fight against cybercrime.
