Suspect Posed as Girl on Social Media to Lure Minors; case registered under PECA as probe links operation to dark web
RAWALPINDI:
Authorities have uncovered a large network involved in the production, purchase and sale of indecent videos of children, the arrest of a key operative and the recovery of more than 600 videos.
The suspect, identified as Taimur Mahmood, a resident of Murree, was arrested from Rawalpindi by the National Cyber Crimes Investigation Agency (NCCIA). According to authorities, he posed as a girl on social media to lure underage boys and then blackmailed them through obscene videos.
Read: The LHC seeks the government’s response to a plea to restrict the use of social media by children under 16
Data retrieved from Mahmood’s mobile phone revealed sharing of videos and pictures of local and foreign children through various WhatsApp groups involving accomplices. Officials said Mahmood had been constantly blackmailing children through videos and was also involved in extorting money for various purposes.
A case has been registered against him and the administrators of the WhatsApp groups under the provisions of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) and the scope of the investigation has been widened. Investigations have also been launched into the suspect’s links to the dark web.
Officials of the National Cyber Crimes Investigation Agency (NCCIA) said that a comprehensive investigation of the suspect has begun, other people involved will soon be arrested and facilitators are also being identified.
In a separate case earlier this month, the NCCIA conducted a raid on January 25 in Islamabad’s PWD area and arrested a suspect identified as Shoaib for allegedly circulating obscene videos of a minor.
Two cellphones were recovered from his possession, which authorities said contained additional videos involving children.
A case was registered against the suspect under PECA while further investigations were said to be underway.
Read more: NCCIA arrests child exploitation suspect and slaps Rs20 million
Furthermore, officials said the seized mobile phones were sent to a forensic laboratory for detailed examination, with further information expected to emerge from the analysis.
On January 30, the NCCIA launched an AI-enabled investigative tool to strengthen Pakistan’s ability to detect, prioritize and investigate child sexual exploitation and abuse online.
The system, called Katalyst, was developed through a partnership between the Home Office and the UK-Pakistan Serious Crime and Law Enforcement (UPSCALE) programme, funded by the UK High Commission.
