National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency says group posed as fake representatives to extract people’s money
Pakistan’s National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency has arrested one man and registered a case against several individuals accused of running an elaborate online fraud scheme that allegedly targeted political figures and ordinary citizens through impersonation and fake official claims.
According to investigators, the primary suspect—identified as Muhammad Mazhar, son of Muhammad Hanif—allegedly contacted MPAs and political personalities, claiming that a visiting United Nations delegation would be representing the Pakistan Peoples Party, saying that the delegation would be bringing cargo for which taxes would need to be paid.
The FIR states that the fraudsters used this pretext to solicit funds, persuading individuals to transfer money to bank accounts controlled by the accused.
The complainant reported that he was similarly deceived and transferred a total of Rs468,500. Investigation records show multiple transactions routed to a Bank Alfalah account held in the name of another accused, Muhammad Javed, including payments of Rs264,500, Rs100,000 and an additional Rs100,000.
NCCIA officials said the group acted “in connivance with each other and operating as a gang”.
Arrest and Evidence
The Cyber Crime Circle Rawalpindi arrested Muhammad Mazhar following an enquiry. Investigators tracked financial transactions and confirmed the defrauded amounts had been deposited into accounts linked to the accused.
Authorities said the individuals were repeatedly summoned through registered post, SMS, and notices under Section 160 of the Criminal Procedure Code, but failed to appear. NCCIA subsequently determined that incriminating evidence warranted formal registration of the FIR.
The case has been filed under Section 14 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016 and Sections 419, 420, and 109 of the Pakistan Penal Code pertaining to impersonation, cheating, and abetment.
Further investigation is being supervised by Subinspector Mehboob Elahi.
