The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Lahore has arrested three suspects in Multan for allegedly extorting money from citizens through honey-trapping and cyber blackmailing.
According to the NCCIA, the suspects allegedly contacted citizens through fake social media profiles and developed relationships with them. They then moved their conversations to WhatsApp and obtained private pictures and videos through video calls.
The suspects allegedly used this material to blackmail victims and demand money. The group is believed to have collected millions of rupees through the scheme.
Acting on a tip-off, an NCCIA team raided a location on Nawanpur Road in Basti Saleh Mahey and arrested Dil Hassan, Umar Saeed, and Umair Hassan. Three mobile phones were recovered from the suspects. The devices allegedly contained WhatsApp accounts, pictures, videos, and other digital material. A forensic examination of the devices is currently underway.
The investigation has also revealed possible links to other individuals, including Muhammad Farhan, Sohail alias Lolly, Zahid Hiraj, and Shahid Hiraj. The NCCIA is investigating other members of the alleged network, the social media accounts used, financial transactions, and possible victims.
NCCIA Punjab Director Muhammad Ali Wasim said that operations against individuals involved in honey-trapping and cyber blackmailing would be intensified. Authorities have also advised citizens to exercise caution when sharing personal information, pictures, or videos with unknown individuals.
