The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency says the group posed as fake representatives to extract people’s money
Pakistan’s National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency has arrested a man and registered a case against several people accused of running an extensive online fraud scheme that allegedly targeted political figures and ordinary citizens through impersonation and false official claims.
According to investigators, the prime suspect – identified as Muhammad Mazhar, son of Muhammad Hanif – allegedly contacted MPAs and political figures claiming that a visiting UN delegation would represent the Pakistan Peoples Party and said the delegation would bring cargo for which taxes would be payable.
The FIR states that the fraudsters used this pretext to solicit money and persuaded individuals to transfer money to bank accounts controlled by the accused.
The complainant reported that he was similarly defrauded and transferred a total of Rs 468,500. Investigation records show several transactions routed to a Bank Alfalah account in the name of another accused, Muhammad Javed, including payments of Rs 264,500, Rs 100,000 and another Rs 100,000.
NCCIA officials said the group acted “in concert with each other and operated as a gang”.
Arrest and evidence
Cyber Crime Circle Rawalpindi arrested Muhammad Mazhar after an investigation. Investigators traced financial transactions and confirmed that the defrauded amounts had been deposited into accounts linked to the accused.
Authorities said the individuals were repeatedly summoned via registered mail, SMS and messages under Section 160 of the Criminal Procedure Code, but failed to appear. The NCCIA subsequently held 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, which relate to impersonation, cheating and abetment.
Further investigation is being overseen by Sub Inspector Mehboob Elahi.
