ISLAMABAD: The federal government has decided to launch a countrywide operation against illegal call centres involved in alleged blackmail, gambling, online scams and the production of immoral content.
According to media reports, the decision comes after the reported failure of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency’s (NCCIA) ‘Operation Grey’ against illegal call centres.
A new task force has been constituted under the FIA headquarters and includes officers from sensitive agencies, the FIA’s Cyber Crime Wing and the National Forensics Agency.
The federal police and district administration have also been included in the task force.
All relevant institutions have been directed to extend cooperation, while the team will submit daily reports on action taken against illegal call centres to the Ministry of Interior.
Sources said a list of call centres operating in Karachi had also been prepared as part of the countrywide crackdown.
Move follows arrest of 275 foreigners in Islamabad
The development follows a joint operation by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and the NCCIA in Islamabad, during which 275 foreign nationals were arrested from an alleged illegal call centre in Sector IT-13.
According to the FIA, the suspects belonged to several countries, including China. The operation also revealed that the management was allegedly involved in producing immoral content, with foreign men and women recruited for the purpose.
The FIA registered cases against the arrested individuals under the Foreigners Act, while the NCCIA initiated proceedings under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca).
284 detainees were shifted to Adiala Jail for deportation
The latest arrests come shortly after authorities decided to transfer 284 foreign nationals detained in an earlier online-fraud investigation to Adiala Jail.
Their visas had been cancelled and one-time special exit permits issued, with deportation expected within 15 days. Most of those detainees were reported to be citizens of Vietnam, Indonesia and China, many of whom had entered Pakistan on tourist or visit visas.
