The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) arrested 28 suspects in a province-wide crackdown on organized online fraud targeting citizens through impersonation, fake investment schemes and fabricated official identities.
The agency recovered 24 mobile phones and a laptop, which are being examined for evidence of further links to the fraud network. In Lahore, 18 suspects were arrested in separate operations.
According to the NCCIA, suspects posed as relatives, visa agents, government officials and Punjab Safe Cities Authority personnel.
In one case, fraudsters allegedly posing as a relative and visa agent received Rs25.86 million from a victim.
Three suspects were arrested in Faisalabad after allegedly convincing a victim to invest money using fabricated trading records, digital wallet balances and fake profit statements, causing a loss of Rs54.6 million.
Seven suspects were arrested in Multan for allegedly posing as relatives, bank employees and Britain-based individuals to demand payments for prize money, customs clearance, taxes and visa renewals.
Meanwhile, the Federal Investigation Agency arrested Khadija Sameer for allegedly operating an unauthorised MoFA attestation and apostille office in Gulberg.
The FIA also arrested proclaimed offender Parvez Ahmad, wanted since 2024 in an electricity theft case. Further investigations are underway.
