The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has launched a major crackdown on illegal call centres operating across Pakistan, resulting in more than 500 arrests and the uncovering of financial fraud exceeding Rs. 72 million. This was revealed in official data submitted to the Senate Standing Committee on IT.
Between January 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025, the NCCIA carried out 63 targeted raids across six major cities. These operations led to the arrest of 195 Pakistani nationals and 255 foreign nationals. A total of 54 FIRs have been registered against individuals involved in operating or supporting these illegal activities.
Islamabad recorded the highest volume of fraud, with 17 call centres raided. Authorities arrested 10 locals and 183 foreigners, and uncovered Rs. 60 million in fraud. Of this, Rs. 34 million was successfully recovered.
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In Karachi, 19 call centres were targeted, where 76 Pakistani suspects were identified and 44 arrested. However, no monetary recoveries were made in these cases.
Rawalpindi saw 8 call centre raids, resulting in 32 arrests and a recovery of Rs. 5.85 million. Faisalabad had 7 operations, leading to the arrest of 78 locals and 72 foreigners, with just Rs. 200,000 recovered.
In Multan, all 8 suspects connected to a single illegal call centre were arrested, though no funds were retrieved. Lahore witnessed 11 raids and 23 arrests, but again, no financial recovery was reported.
Overall, Rs. 72.034 million in fraud was detected, and Rs. 40.051 million has been recovered so far.
The NCCIA emphasized that their crackdown extended beyond call centres to include fraudulent software houses and international online scam networks. The agency acknowledged the difficulties in tracking digital financial crimes, especially when stolen funds are quickly moved overseas.
The operations were conducted with the help of provincial law enforcement agencies and cybercrime experts. Investigations are ongoing, particularly in cases involving foreign nationals. The NCCIA’s findings underscore the rising threat of cyber-enabled financial crime in Pakistan. Members of the Senate Standing Committee on IT have urged for stronger laws and international collaboration to curb this growing menace.
