NCCIA Sweeps Islamabad in Major Fraud Crackdown as Around 200 Foreign Nationals Reportedly Held
I-9 call centre raid triggers searches across the capital as investigators probe suspected online fraud networks, following earlier operations in E-11, G-10 and I-10.
ISLAMABAD: October 20: The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has reportedly arrested around 200 foreign nationals during a major operation at a call centre in Islamabad’s I-9 industrial area, with investigators subsequently conducting raids at multiple locations across the capital.
According to sources, the initial raid targeted a call centre operating within the i9 industrial area. Information obtained from those detained led NCCIA teams to carry out dozens of follow-up searches elsewhere in Islamabad.
The operation targeted suspected digital financial fraud and that investigators recovered laptops, servers and computer hard drives. The alleged involvement of those arrested remains subject to investigation.
According to the source account provided to Islamabad Tribune, the crackdown was conducted on the instructions of the NCCIA director general. Sources alleged that those detained had links to networks using deceptive calls and online schemes to obtain money from citizens. Investigators were questioning the suspects to establish their individual roles and the scope of the alleged activities.
Background: Earlier Operations Across Islamabad
The latest action follows several operations against suspected unlawful call centres in the federal capital. Previous investigations have involved allegations of deceptive investment offers, impersonation, fraudulent online interactions and, in some cases, violations of visa conditions. These allegations concern separate cases; the available reporting does not establish a connection between those operations and the latest I-9 raid.
September 22: 212 Suspects Detained in E-11 and G-10
NCCIA raided three suspected illegal call centres in Islamabad’s E-11 and G-10 sectors, taking 212 people, including Pakistani and foreign nationals, into custody.
According to agency, investigators recovered 306 mobile phones, 383 computers and CPUs, and 299 monitors and laptops. Authorities alleged that the operations involved impersonation of Google representatives, loan and dating schemes, fake social media profiles and deceptive trading offers.
A case had been registered and that investigators were examining financial links and each suspect’s alleged role. The premises were designated a sub-jail because of the number of detainees.
August: 275 Foreign Nationals Arrested in I-10/3
NCCIA and the Federal Investigation Agency on 20th Aug had jointly raided a flour mill in Sector I-10/3 two days earlier, discovering a call centre setup and arresting 275 foreign nationals.
Officials alleged that the facility had operated for approximately four months and was being used for online deception, including dating-related schemes. The report said authorities were also examining the detainees’ visa and legal status.
August: Gulberg Greens Operation and Judicial Proceedings
A separate August operation at SPARCO Plaza in Gulberg Greens involved joint action by NCCIA and the FIA’s Anti-Human Trafficking Circle.
According to Spokesperson, FIA detained 258 foreign nationals during an August 11 raid over alleged activities inconsistent with their visa conditions. NCCIA pursued a parallel investigation into suspected cyber fraud and forgery. Reporting on subsequent proceedings, the outlet said an Islamabad judicial magistrate remanded nearly 400 foreign nationals from the joint operations to judicial custody.
These earlier cases provide context for the continuing scrutiny of suspected unlawful call centre operations in Islamabad. They do not establish wrongdoing by those detained in the latest operation.
