LAHORE: The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Lahore Zone has arrested 59 suspects during a crackdown on alleged cyber fraud involving stolen restaurant credit card data and schemes targeting foreign nationals, according to the information provided by the agency.
The operation was conducted in Gulberg, where investigators raided three alleged fake call centres accused of defrauding foreign citizens through deceptive offers and fraudulent digital activities. The arrested suspects include 52 men and seven women.
During the raids, officials recovered 61 laptops, 21 computer systems and 52 mobile phones. The equipment is expected to be examined as part of the investigation into the alleged fraud network.
Fake Offers and Restaurant Data Fraud
According to the details shared, the suspects allegedly targeted foreign nationals by offering fake mobile phone upgrades and discounted packages. They reportedly used deceptive tactics to persuade victims to engage with their schemes.
The suspects were also accused of hacking data belonging to restaurants registered on a fraudulent application and diverting weekly payments into accounts under their control. The alleged activity involved the misuse of digital systems and financial information to obtain money unlawfully.
Investigators further alleged that funds were transferred through trading platforms and money-transfer applications, making it necessary to examine the financial transactions and digital records associated with the case.
The operation comes amid concerns over cyber-enabled financial fraud and its potential impact on Pakistan’s digital reputation. Authorities are expected to investigate the alleged methods used by the suspects, trace the financial flows and determine the extent of the activity.
Further details regarding the identities of the arrested suspects, the number of affected foreign nationals and the total financial losses were not provided in the information available.
