In a major crackdown on cybercrime, the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), in collaboration with the FBI and Dutch police, arrested 21 individuals involved in large-scale digital fraud and cybercrime operations in Lahore and Multan.
Raids conducted on May 15 and 16 led to the dismantling of the “HeartSender Group,” a global cybercrime network responsible for developing and selling illicit tools used in financial scams.
Key arrests were made in Lahore’s Bahria Town and Multan, including alleged ringleader Rameez Shahzad (alias Saim Raza), his father Muhammad Aslam, and Multan operations head Hussnain Haider. The group reportedly operated online marketplaces offering phishing kits, scam page templates, and data extractors marketed as “undetectable.” They also distributed instructional videos guiding users on how to exploit victims.
Authorities seized 32 digital devices containing data linked to over 11,000 victims worldwide, as well as luxury assets including a Lamborghini Urus and property documents related to Dubai real estate. Rameez allegedly coordinated technical and financial operations from Bahria Town, Lahore, while Haider managed activities from Fatima Avenue, Multan.
NCCIA officials estimate the group’s tools contributed to losses exceeding $50 million in the United States alone. Investigations are ongoing across Europe in connection with 63 additional cases.
