The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Lahore has arrested eight suspects for
allegedly running an illegal call centre in Township. The arrested group includes six men and
two women. Officials said the suspects were targeting British citizens through fake
telecommunications offers.

The NCCIA team carried out a raid at a house in Block One, Sector A-2, Township. The action
was taken after the agency received a tip-off and obtained a search warrant from the relevant
court.

According to initial investigations, the suspects were running a call centre campaign using the
name of AT&T. They allegedly contacted British citizens and offered discounts on mobile phone
upgrades, SIM-only packages and other telecommunications services.

Investigators said the suspects used special dialling software to make calls to people living
abroad. They allegedly collected customers’ financial information and used it for illegal
transactions. The suspects were also accused of taking money through advance-fee scams.
The six male suspects arrested during the raid were identified as Tayyab Tariq, Ali Raza, Azeem
Rehman, Muhammad Umar, Haseeb Asif and Hasnain Raza. The identities of the two women
were not fully provided in the initial details.

During the operation, the NCCIA recovered 53 digital devices from the location. These included
28 laptops, 10 desktop computers and 15 mobile phones.

An initial examination of the recovered devices reportedly showed dialling software and records
of calls made to British citizens. Investigators have identified Tayyab Tariq and Amna Tariq as
the alleged owners and administrators of the call centre.

The seized devices have been secured for detailed forensic examination. A case has also been
registered against the suspects, while further investigation is underway to collect more evidence
and identify other possible links.

NCCIA Lahore Zone Additional Director Atif Ameer said that action against illegal call centres
involved in cyber fraud would continue. He added that the agency would take action against
those targeting both Pakistani citizens and people living abroad.

The operation highlights the agency’s efforts to control online fraud and protect people from
financial scams. Authorities have urged the public to remain careful when receiving unexpected
calls offering discounts or requesting personal and financial information.

Source: National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Lahore.

Fatima Khan