Poland and Baltic states shield critical infrastructure against potential Russian false-flag drone attacks

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: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) held protest sit-ins in several major cities on Monday for the second consecutive day, intensifying its campaign against high petroleum levies, rising inflation and increased utility bills. The protests were organised in Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar and other cities across the country. The party said its demonstrations would continue until the government addresses its demands. Addressing a sit-in in Lahore, JI Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman described the protests as the beginning of a broader nationwide movement. He said the party had prepared a strategy to expand the campaign and expressed satisfaction with the participation in different parts of the country. JI leaders criticised the government over the growing financial burden on ordinary citizens. They argued that higher fuel-related charges have contributed to increased prices of essential goods and made household expenses more difficult to manage. In Karachi, a JI demonstration was held outside the Governor House. Party leaders accused the government of relying excessively on petroleum levies and taxes to generate revenue. JI Karachi women wing leader Javed Fahim called on the government either to withdraw what she described as unnecessary financial burdens or face stronger public resistance. She warned that the party could expand its sit-ins to major roads across Karachi if its demands were not accepted. JI Karachi Emir Monem Zafar Khan said the party’s demands included a reduction in fuel prices and a forensic audit of independent power producers (IPPs). He said controlling inflation should be among the government’s top priorities and argued that ordinary citizens were bearing the impact of rising fuel costs, electricity bills and prices of daily-use commodities. The protests come after the government recently increased the petroleum levy on diesel by Rs1 per litre, taking it to Rs77.28. The levy on petrol remained at Rs80 per litre, while the levy on kerosene was unchanged at Rs20.36 per litre. JI leaders said they would continue mobilising supporters across the country and would consider further expanding the protest movement if their demands were not met.