Gang Allegedly Targeted Three Foreign Embassies
The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency has arrested 12 suspected members of an organized cybercrime network.
The group allegedly hacked data linked to the embassies of Saudi Arabia, Germany and Italy.
NCCIA Director Ali Wasim announced the arrests during a press conference in Lahore.
He said the suspects gained unauthorised access to embassy contact information and communication systems.
The gang allegedly redirected incoming embassy calls to phone numbers under its control.
This allowed the suspects to speak directly with people seeking visa services.
Victims believed they were communicating with official embassy representatives.
The suspects allegedly offered visa appointments, visa extensions and other consular services.
They then demanded payments from applicants through fraudulent channels.
The investigation began after several embassies submitted complaints to the cybercrime agency.
Officials later traced the complaints to a wider and highly organised network.
Fake Websites and Appointment Letters Used to Deceive Applicants
Investigators said the gang had been operating since 2019.
The suspects allegedly created fake websites and online pages resembling official embassy portals.
These platforms were designed to appear authentic.
Fake logos, contact details and application forms were reportedly used to gain public trust.
Many victims could not easily distinguish the fraudulent websites from genuine embassy platforms.
The suspects allegedly collected personal details, passport information and payments from visa applicants.
They also issued fake appointment letters to convince victims that their applications were being processed.
During raids, NCCIA teams recovered mobile phones and forged appointment documents.
Officials also seized digital devices and other evidence believed to be connected with the fraud.
The recovered material will undergo forensic examination.
Investigators are reviewing communication records, financial transactions and website activity.
The agency is also examining whether stolen personal information was sold or used in additional crimes.
Raids Continue as Joint Cyber Fraud Task Force Planned
The NCCIA said operations were continuing to arrest other suspected members of the network.
Investigators are also examining the alleged use of a hacking tool identified as Tycoon 2FA.
The application may have been used to steal login credentials or bypass online security systems.
Authorities have not yet disclosed how many visa applicants were affected.
The total financial losses linked to the network also remain under investigation.
Ali Wasim announced plans to establish a joint task force against cyber-enabled fraud.
The proposed body will include relevant government institutions and other stakeholders.
It will monitor suspicious call centres and investigate online financial scams.
The task force will also improve coordination between law-enforcement agencies, regulators and communication service providers.
Officials said stronger cooperation was necessary because cybercriminals often use foreign numbers, fake websites and hidden payment accounts.
Visa applicants have been advised to use only official embassy websites and verified contact numbers.
Authorities also warned people against transferring money to private accounts for embassy appointments or consular services.
The NCCIA said further arrests and disclosures could follow as the investigation expands.
