GUJRANWALA:
A major corruption scandal has surfaced in the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Gujranwala, as the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Composite Circle has registered a case against three of its own officers, along with their accomplices, on charges of corruption, bribery, extortion and abuse of authority.
Three government officials, among others, have been taken into custody.
The NCCIA, established to strengthen enforcement of cyber laws, has come under scrutiny after allegations emerged that its officers, in collusion 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’s complaint, the FIA initiated action and registered an FIR.
According to the FIR, complainant Muzammil Iqbal, a resident of Garden Town, Gujranwala, stated that he had received information that certain FIA Cyber Crime Wing officers were extracting huge sums from accused persons with the help of private associates.
He alleged that on February 2, 2025, unidentified men entered his house, introduced themselves as FIA officials, held family members hostage, seized mobile phones and subjected male members of the family to torture before blindfolding them and confining them to a room.
The complainant said 15 mobile phones, a laptop, a car, cash and ATM cards were taken away.
The family was later shifted to the FIA Cyber Crime office, where they were questioned about online business activities and cryptocurrency.
The FIR further states that the victims were forced to pay large amounts of cash, cryptocurrency and money through bank transactions at different times, while further payments were demanded to avoid legal action.
Some items were later returned, but cash and one mobile phone were not.
Another victim, Salman Raza, alleged that his family was abducted, tortured and a demand of Rs50 million was made.
Muzammil Iqbal claimed that after negotiations involving FIA personnel, a “deal” was finalised for Rs30 million, out of which Rs3 million in cash and around Rs1.5 million through bank and ATM transactions were paid before their release.
Following a preliminary inquiry, the FIA registered a case against FIA Cyber Crime Wing 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 a transparent investigation is under way and those found guilty will be prosecuted, while departmental action will also be initiated.
