GUJRANWALA:
A major corruption scandal has surfaced at the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) in Gujranwala, as the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Composite Circle has filed a case against three of its own officers, along with their accomplices, for corruption, bribery, extortion and abuse of authority.
Three government officials, among others, were arrested.
The NCCIA, established to strengthen enforcement of cybercrime laws, has come under scrutiny after allegations emerged that its agents, in collusion with individuals, entered into deals worth millions of rupees with suspects involved in online fraud cases and released them after receiving illegal payments.
Following reports from intelligence agencies and a citizen’s complaint, the FIA initiated action and registered an FIR.
According to the FIR, the complainant Muzammil Iqbal, a resident of Garden Town, Gujranwala, said he received information that some operatives of the FIA Cyber Crime Wing were extracting huge sums of money from the accused with the help of private associates.
He alleged that on February 2, 2025, unidentified men entered his house, posed as FIA officials, took his family members hostage, seized mobile phones and subjected male family members to torture before blindfolding them and locking them in a room.
The complainant said 15 mobile phones, a laptop, a car, cash and ATM cards were confiscated.
The family was then transferred to the FIA Cyber Crime office, where they were questioned about online business activities and cryptocurrency.
The FIR further states that the victims were forced to pay large sums of cash, cryptocurrency and money through banking transactions at different times, while other payments were demanded to avoid legal action.
Some items were later returned, but the cash and a cell phone were not.
Another victim, Salman Raza, claimed that his family was kidnapped, tortured and a demand for Rs50 million was made.
Muzammil Iqbal claimed that after negotiations involving FIA personnel, a “deal” was finalized for Rs 30 million, of which Rs 3 million in cash and around Rs 1.5 million through banking and ATM transactions were paid before their release.
Following preliminary investigation, the FIA registered a case against FIA Cyber Crime Wing personnel Mujahid Ali, Shahroz and Allah Yar, along with their private accomplices Haji Waqar, Asim Mahmood and Usman Ali, under relevant sections of the Pakistan Penal Code, anti-corruption laws and the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act.
FIA officials said a transparent investigation was underway and those found guilty would be prosecuted, while departmental action would also be initiated.
