ISLAMABAD: Pakistani authorities have exposed a major fraud where foreign nationals used fake gold investment applications to cheat hundreds of citizens out of millions of rupees. The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency presented the main suspects in court as the investigation gathers pace.
Court grants police remand
On Thursday, Duty Judge Naeema Iffat at the District and Sessions Court heard the case and granted three days of physical remand to the three foreign nationals and one local woman. Investigators told the court they need more time to recover stolen money and trace other members of the gang. Police have registered a case involving over Rs. 134 million taken from around 270 victims through deceptive mobile apps.
Moreover, the fraudsters operated two fake platforms named “Gold Box” and “GLBX”. They promised high returns on gold investments to attract ordinary Pakistanis looking for quick profits. One victim alone lost more than Rs. 54 million. Officers recovered some cash and electronic devices during raids in Islamabad’s Blue Area, but they believe the gang still hides significant funds and evidence.
Cybercrime agency intensifies hunt
The accused ran their operations from the federal capital and targeted people through attractive online advertisements. Many victims invested their life savings after seeing promises of huge gains. The case, registered under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, shows how sophisticated cyber criminals now exploit digital platforms to target trusting citizens.
This scam highlights the rising danger of online frauds in Pakistan. Cyber experts advise people to carefully verify any investment app before putting in money and to avoid schemes that guarantee unusually high profits. Authorities continue to follow financial trails and search for additional accomplices who may still operate behind the scenes.
The NCCIA has vowed to crack down harder on such digital scams. Citizens now hope that swift action will recover more money and deter others from launching similar frauds in the future.
