The Cybercrime Reporting Centre of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency in Gujranwala has uncovered a large-scale online fraud scheme involving cryptocurrency and fabricated investment opportunities. According to an NCCIA spokesperson, the probe was initiated after a resident of Sangla Hill filed a complaint claiming he had lost millions of rupees to individuals posing as representatives of an international company offering digital investment options. This complaint triggered an extensive inquiry into a network of accounts and phone numbers believed to be used for defrauding citizens across multiple regions.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the accused had been collecting significant sums of money from victims through several bank accounts and mobile numbers. In one reported case, the complainant alone lost Rs1.28 million. The suspected fraudsters allegedly created fake WhatsApp profiles, used international phone numbers, and ran misleading online advertisements to convince unsuspecting people to invest in non-existent digital schemes. These tactics were designed to establish credibility and attract more participants into what officials describe as an elaborate web of deception.
An FIR (No. 170/2025) has been registered at the NCCIA Police Station in Gujranwala under Sections 13, 14, and 16 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act along with Sections 419, 420, 468, 471, and 109 of the Pakistan Penal Code. This legal action formalizes the case against the accused individuals and authorizes authorities to pursue their apprehension and the recovery of funds collected through these schemes. Officials emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and additional victims are being identified as part of the process to map out the full scope of the operation.
NCCIA stated that efforts are underway to trace the financial trails, unmask the real identities behind the fake profiles, and freeze any accounts linked to the fraudulent activities. Authorities are also collaborating with banks, mobile operators, and relevant digital platforms to block suspicious channels and protect other citizens from falling prey to similar schemes. The agency urged the public to exercise caution when engaging with online investment offers, particularly those promising unrealistic returns, as scammers are increasingly using sophisticated digital methods to target individuals across Pakistan.
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