Pakistan’s National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has dismantled a major OTP fraud gang, arresting 27 suspects during coordinated raids in Lahore, Multan, and Faisalabad. The large-scale operation is one of the country’s biggest cybercrime crackdowns in recent months and highlights the government’s efforts to combat online financial fraud.
According to NCCIA officials, the suspects were members of an organised cybercrime network that targeted bank customers through sophisticated phone scams. The gang allegedly impersonated bank officials, police officers, and customs authorities to trick victims into sharing One-Time Passwords (OTPs), ATM PINs, passwords, and other sensitive banking information.
The largest operation took place in Lahore, where NCCIA teams arrested 13 suspects during multiple raids. Authorities recovered mobile phones, computers, laptops, and other digital devices believed to have been used in fraudulent activities.
In Multan, intelligence-based operations led to the arrest of 13 additional suspects, who investigators believe played key roles in planning and executing online scams targeting victims across Pakistan.
Meanwhile, in Faisalabad, authorities arrested another suspect allegedly involved in hacking bank accounts and social media profiles. Several fake SIM cards and electronic devices were also seized for forensic examination.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the network relied on social engineering tactics, convincing victims that their bank accounts or identity documents required urgent verification. Once victims shared their OTPs or verification codes, the suspects allegedly gained unauthorized access to their bank accounts and carried out fraudulent financial transactions.
NCCIA officials are now analyzing the seized digital evidence to identify additional members of the network, trace stolen funds, and determine whether the gang has links with other cybercrime groups operating across Pakistan.
Following the successful operation, the NCCIA urged citizens to remain cautious and never share their OTP, ATM PIN, passwords, or banking details with anyone over the phone. The agency also advised people to verify suspicious calls through official bank helplines and immediately report any cyber fraud incidents to the relevant authorities.
The crackdown reflects Pakistan’s growing focus on tackling cyber-enabled financial crimes while raising public awareness about online security and digital fraud prevention.
