تازہ ترین

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.

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.

ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has criticised Pakistan’s bureaucracy. He described it as the country’s “real and permanent rulers.” Asif said bureaucrats had remained largely beyond effective accountability during Pakistan’s 78-year history. He said politicians had faced accountability on numerous occasions. Other powerful groups had also been held accountable at different times. However, he said it was difficult to find similar examples involving senior bureaucrats. The defence minister made the remarks while sharing a social media post about alleged financial corruption involving a senior bureaucrat. Asif said the bureaucracy had gradually become a powerful and largely untouchable class. He questioned why bureaucrats had not been subjected to the same level of scrutiny as politicians. According to Asif, politicians themselves were partly responsible for the situation. He said political leaders had failed to establish an effective system to hold the bureaucracy accountable. The minister also referred to a former bureaucratic ruler while discussing the influence of senior officials in Pakistan. He said the former official used highly inappropriate and insulting language against politicians. Despite this behaviour, politicians continued to tolerate him, according to Asif. Asif’s comments highlight his criticism of the imbalance in accountability among powerful sections of Pakistani society. His remarks also raise questions about the role of the bureaucracy in governance and decision-making. The minister maintained that stronger accountability was needed for all powerful groups. He suggested that politicians could not blame bureaucrats alone for the existing system because political leaders had also contributed to its continuation.

KARACHI: An underground oil pipeline developed a leak on Khayaban-e-Sehar, Street 13, in Karachi’s Defence area, causing crude oil to spill onto the road. According to police, the leakage resulted in crude oil spreading across the affected section of the road. The road has been closed to traffic as a precautionary measure to ensure public safety and facilitate repair work. A DHA vigilance team reached the site after being informed about the incident. The relevant authorities were also alerted and teams were deployed to assess the situation. Police said the pipeline is quite old and runs beneath the middle of the road. The National Refinery stopped the supply through the affected line after the leakage was reported and immediately began repair work. Officials are currently working to repair the damaged pipeline and control the oil leakage. Traffic restrictions will remain in place until the repair work is completed and the affected road is considered safe for motorists and pedestrians. No casualties or injuries have been reported in connection with the incident so far.