In a shocking expose of corruption within Pakistan’s law enforcement, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested three officials from the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) in Gujranwala along with their accomplices. The charges include bribery, extortion, and abuse of power in handling online fraud cases.
The scandal erupted when intelligence reports and a civilian complaint prompted the FIA’s Composite Circle to file an FIR. Accused officers allegedly accepted crores of rupees to release suspects involved in cyber frauds, as detailed in reports from Pakistan’s Express Tribune.
Complainant Muzammil Iqbal, a resident of Garden Town in Gujranwala, recounted a harrowing ordeal. On February 2, individuals posing as FIA officers stormed his home, held his family hostage, seized mobile phones, and tortured male members. They blindfolded the victims and locked them in a room while confiscating 15 mobiles, a laptop, a car, cash, and ATM cards.
The fake officers interrogated the family about online businesses and cryptocurrency dealings at the FIA Cyber Crime Wing office. They extorted large sums in cash, crypto, and bank transfers, promising to shield them from legal action but demanding more payments later. Though some items were returned, cash and one phone remained missing.
Another victim, Salman Raza, alleged his family was abducted and tortured with a demand of 5 crore rupees. Iqbal claimed a ‘deal’ was struck for 3 crore rupees via FIA mediation, with 30 lakh in cash and 15 lakh through bank transactions before release.
This case highlights deep-rooted corruption in Pakistan’s cyber crime units, undermining public trust and efforts to combat digital fraud. The FIA’s swift action signals a crackdown, but questions linger on systemic reforms needed to prevent such abuses.
