In a wide-ranging operation targeting online scams and cybercrime, authorities in Pakistan have dismantled 54 illegal call centres and arrested 254 individuals involved in cryptocurrency-based fraud. These fraudulent operations were designed to lure victims through fake social media profiles and misleading investment schemes, with stolen funds swiftly converted into cryptocurrency to avoid detection. The operation was led by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), with detailed updates presented during a recent meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication.
Investigators revealed that the illegal call centres functioned like proper corporate offices, some housing between 300 to 400 staff. The perpetrators used fake female profiles on Facebook and Instagram to build trust with unsuspecting users, mostly men, before introducing them to fabricated investment opportunities. After gaining confidence, victims were added to Telegram groups where they were encouraged to deposit money under the guise of high-yield returns. These funds were then immediately turned into cryptocurrency and transferred to unknown wallets abroad, making recovery extremely challenging for local authorities.
Officials emphasized that the use of cryptocurrency has significantly complicated law enforcement efforts. Its decentralized nature and anonymity allow for swift cross-border transfers without traditional banking oversight. According to NCCIA, this makes crypto an increasingly preferred channel for financial crimes, requiring international collaboration to trace and retrieve such transactions.
Islamabad recorded the highest number of illegal centres, followed by other major urban areas such as Lahore, Karachi, and Peshawar. These centres often operated from commercial buildings, complete with websites and social media pages to present themselves as legitimate businesses. Most were not registered with government bodies and lacked any form of legal documentation, raising questions about enforcement and monitoring at the local level.
Members of the Senate committee expressed concern over the growing sophistication of digital fraud and the ease with which money is moved through crypto channels. They called for stricter legislation to address the evolving nature of cybercrime. Senator Dr. Mohammad Humayun Mohmand proposed the creation of a centralized database to monitor digital fraud cases and stressed the need for stronger collaboration with global crypto exchanges to prevent unauthorized fund transfers.
The operation also exposed a troubling trend of young, tech-literate individuals being recruited into fraudulent setups with the promise of quick income. Many of those arrested were found to be skilled in digital marketing and IT, drawn into these schemes by minimal regulation and high profits.
Officials are now urging the public to remain alert and verify the authenticity of online investment offers and digital contacts. The campaign against crypto-related fraud highlights the growing need for public awareness, improved regulations, and better infrastructure to counter cyber threats in the country’s digital landscape.
