18 Million perform Umrah in 2025

LAHORE: Authorities have arrested 28 suspects in Lahore, Faisalabad and Multan as part of a major crackdown on organised online fraud, exposing alleged schemes that relied on impersonation, fake investment opportunities and fabricated official identities to deceive citizens. The arrests were made during a province-wide operation by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Punjab, directed by Punjab Director Muhammad Ali Wasim, officials said. Investigators also seized 24 mobile phones and a laptop, which are now being examined for evidence that could lead to other members of the alleged network. The investigation has revealed how fraudsters allegedly manipulated trust to convince victims to hand over large sums of money. Millions allegedly lost in Lahore scam In Lahore, 18 suspects were arrested in separate operations. Investigators said the suspects allegedly impersonated relatives, visa agents, government officials and personnel associated with the Punjab Safe Cities Authority. In one case, suspects allegedly posed as both a relative and a visa agent and persuaded a victim to transfer Rs25.86 million. The case has highlighted how scammers can combine apparently familiar identities with urgent requests to make their schemes appear legitimate. Rs54.66m trading fraud uncovered Three suspects were arrested in Faisalabad in connection with alleged online trading fraud and unauthorised access to a company email account. According to investigators, a victim was shown fabricated trading records, digital-wallet balances and purported profit statements to create the impression that substantial returns were being generated. After being persuaded to invest, the victim allegedly lost Rs54.66 million, investigators said. The case demonstrates the growing sophistication of investment scams, where criminals allegedly use manipulated digital information to make fraudulent platforms appear genuine. Multan arrests expose impersonation tactics In Multan, seven suspects were arrested for allegedly posing as relatives, bank employees and individuals claiming to be based in Britain. Officials said victims were approached with various demands, including payments supposedly required for prize money, customs clearance, taxes and visa renewals. Such tactics typically create a sense of urgency, leaving victims with little time to verify the identity of the caller or the authenticity of the demand. Digital evidence now under forensic examination NCCIA investigators are examining the seized devices through forensic analysis. Financial transactions, call records and digital communications are also being reviewed to establish the full extent of the alleged operation and identify other people who may be connected to it. The crackdown comes amid growing concern over online financial fraud in Pakistan. The NCCIA’s own statistics identify financial fraud as a major category of reported cybercrime. The latest arrests underscore a simple but increasingly important warning: an apparently familiar voice, official-looking message or promising investment opportunity may not be what it seems. Authorities are expected to continue the investigation as they trace the alleged network and follow the digital and financial trails left behind.

The Lahore High Court (LHC) has granted post-arrest bail to Muhammad Tahir, a suspect in the Libya boat tragedy case, ruling that investigations into international human trafficking cases must be supported by credible and legally admissible evidence rather than mere suspicion. Justice Amjad Rafiq issued a detailed 10-page written verdict explaining the reasons for granting bail. The court observed that allegations of human trafficking, being an international crime, require thorough and professional investigations based on concrete evidence. The court noted that the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) should have obtained evidence from abroad and sought legal assistance from relevant international authorities during the investigation. It said cooperation with foreign agencies is essential in cases involving cross-border human trafficking. According to the written order, investigators should have collected digital and documentary evidence, including WhatsApp chats, call records, bank records, travel documents and other electronic data. The court stressed that such evidence is necessary to establish the active role of an accused in an alleged trafficking network. The judgment further stated that the standard of investigation must be strong enough to legally prove an accused person’s involvement rather than relying on assumptions or incomplete evidence. The court also highlighted the need for reforms to effectively combat human trafficking. It said stronger legislation, improved investigative methods and better law enforcement mechanisms are essential to tackle organised trafficking networks. The LHC ruled that the transfer of money into a person’s bank account alone cannot be treated as proof of involvement in human trafficking. It added that suspicion, speculation or banking transactions by themselves are insufficient to establish criminal liability in such cases. The court ordered the release of Muhammad Tahir on post-arrest bail against surety bonds of Rs500,000, subject to the conditions set by the court. The case will continue in accordance with the law while further investigation proceeds.