A joint operation by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has led to 374 arrests in Islamabad. All those detained are Chinese nationals, according to sources familiar with the operation.
The crackdown focused on two separate issues involving foreign nationals in the capital. The FIA acted over documentation concerns, while the NCCIA targeted alleged illegal call centre operations.
Authorities have now arranged to hold the arrested individuals at Sparco Plaza in Gulberg Greens. The Islamabad Chief Commissioner recently designated the building as a sub-jail for FIA detainees.
FIA Detains 258 Chinese Nationals Over Documents
The FIA detained 258 Chinese citizens under the Foreigners Act during the operation. According to sources, the individuals could not provide the required documents concerning their stay in Pakistan.
The action followed checks related to the legal documentation of foreign nationals. Authorities are continuing to process the cases according to the relevant legal provisions.
Meanwhile, the NCCIA conducted a separate operation against suspected illegal call centres in Islamabad. That action resulted in the arrest of another 116 Chinese nationals.
Together, the two operations brought the total number of arrests to 374.
NCCIA Targets Illegal Call Centre Operations
The NCCIA arrested 116 Chinese nationals during action against illegal call centres in the capital. The agency is responsible for investigating cybercrime and related digital offences.
The latest operation highlights authorities’ efforts to tackle unlawful activities linked to call centre operations. Investigators are expected to examine the activities and circumstances surrounding the arrests.
The cases involving the two groups are separate. The FIA arrests relate to documentation under the Foreigners Act, while the NCCIA action concerns alleged illegal call centre operations.
Sparco Plaza Designated as Sub-Jail
Authorities have decided to hold the arrested Chinese nationals at Sparco Plaza in Gulberg Greens. The building has been officially designated as a sub-jail under an order issued by the Islamabad Chief Commissioner.
The Chief Commissioner previously issued a notification allowing FIA detainees to be held at the facility. The order took effect immediately after its issuance.
Under the notification, the Director General of the FIA will oversee security at the sub-jail. This responsibility includes security arrangements for both the facility and its prisoners.
An officer of Grade 17 or above will maintain the facility’s official records. The arrangement establishes a specific administrative structure for managing the detainees.
Sparco Plaza Originally Served as Mixed-Use Development
Sparco Plaza, also known as Sparco Twin Towers, was initially developed as a mixed-use commercial and residential project.
The building is located in Gulberg Greens, Islamabad. Its designation as a sub-jail has now given the property a new role within the city’s law enforcement system.
The facility will accommodate FIA detainees following the latest crackdown. Meanwhile, authorities are expected to continue investigations and legal proceedings involving those arrested.
The joint operation has brought documentation compliance and alleged illegal call centre activities involving foreign nationals into focus. Further developments are likely as investigators proceed with the cases.
