ISLAMABAD: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested 50 more foreign nationals during a crackdown on call centres operating from a private housing society in Islamabad.
According to the FIA, the suspects were found hiding in a plaza within the housing society and were subsequently arrested and transferred to prison. The latest arrests bring the number of foreign nationals detained in the wider crackdown to hundreds.
Earlier, 250 foreign nationals had been transferred to Adiala and Attock jails. Authorities have also begun deportation proceedings, with 50 Vietnamese nationals already deported in the first phase.
Investigation into alleged online fraud
The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) also detained dozens of foreign nationals during three separate operations in Islamabad between August 13 and 21.
According to sources, investigations are focused on allegations that the suspects were involved in online fraud and blackmail targeting people abroad, as well as obtaining financial benefits through sexually explicit material.
The allegations remain under investigation, and any criminal responsibility will be determined through the legal process.
Probe expanded to other institutions
Sources said investigations by the FIA, NCCIA and Islamabad Police have been expanded to include the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP).
Authorities have decided to place 671 foreign nationals arrested for allegedly operating illegal call centres on the foreign blacklist.
The Foreign Ministry is also working to inform the relevant countries about the alleged activities involving their nationals.
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