GUJRANWALA:
A major corruption scandal has emerged at the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) in Gujranwala, as the Composite Circle of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has registered a case against three of its own officials, along with their accomplices, on charges of corruption, bribery, extortion and abuse of authority.
Three government officials, among others, have been detained.
The NCCIA, set up to strengthen cyber law enforcement, has come under scrutiny after allegations emerged that its officials, in connivance with private individuals, struck deals worth millions of rupees with suspects involved in online fraud cases and released them after receiving illegal payments.
Following reports from intelligence agencies and a citizen complaint, the FIA initiated action and registered an FIR.
According to the FIR, complainant Muzammil Iqbal, a resident of Garden Town, Gujranwala, claimed that he had received information that certain officers of the FIA Cyber Crime Wing were extracting huge sums of money from the accused with the help of private associates.
He alleged that on February 2, 2025, unidentified men entered his house, introduced themselves as FIA officials, took his family members hostage, confiscated mobile phones and subjected male family members to torture before blindfolding them and confining them in a room.
The complainant said they took 15 mobile phones, a laptop, a car, cash and ATM cards.
The family was later transferred to the FIA Cyber Crimes office, where they were questioned about online trading activities and cryptocurrencies.
The FIR further claims that the victims were forced to pay large amounts of cash, cryptocurrencies and money through bank transactions at different times, while additional payments were demanded to avoid legal action.
Some items were later returned, but not the cash or a mobile phone.
Another victim, Salman Raza, alleged that his family was kidnapped and tortured and Rs 50 million was demanded from them.
Muzammil Iqbal claimed that after negotiations involving FIA personnel, a ‘deal’ for Rs 30 million was concluded, of which Rs 3 million in cash and around Rs 1.5 million through bank and ATM transactions were paid before his release.
Following a preliminary investigation, the FIA registered a case against FIA Cyber Crime Branch personnel Mujahid Ali, Shahroz and Allah Yar as well as their private accomplices Haji Waqar, Asim Mahmood and Usman Ali under relevant sections of the Pakistan Penal Code, anti-corruption laws and the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act.
FIA officials said that a transparent investigation is underway and the culprits will be prosecuted while departmental action will also be initiated.
