A special court in Faisalabad on Wednesday granted a five-day physical remand of 87 suspects, including 18 women, to the National Cybercrime Investigation Agency (NCCIA). These individuals were allegedly involved in various cybercrimes and online scams. The court also sent 62 others to jail on a 14-day judicial remand.
In total, 149 suspects were arrested during a raid on a factory in Chak 54 RB, Sirohli, reportedly owned by former Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO) Board Chairman, Malik Tehseen Awan. Among those arrested were 48 Chinese nationals and several Pakistanis and other foreign citizens. Security was tight during their court appearance.
According to the NCCIA, the suspects ran online Ponzi schemes that defrauded people of millions of rupees. The network was allegedly being operated from the factory. However, the main suspect, Malik Tehseen Awan, managed to escape during the raid and is currently in hiding. Seven FIRs have been registered against him.
The head of the Faisalabad NCCIA has requested that Awan’s name be placed on the Provisional National Identification List (PNIL) to prevent him from leaving the country. Authorities say efforts are ongoing to locate and arrest him.
In a separate case, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) arrested Farrukh Nazir Nakodria from Chak 126/15-L, Mianchannu. He is accused of scamming people by promising employment in Saudi Arabia. The suspect had previously fled to the Kingdom after extorting large sums of money.
Meanwhile, at the University of Faisalabad, a painting workshop was held by the Department of Art and Design. Dr. Shazia Ramzan highlighted the importance of art in shaping critical thinking. She encouraged students to express real-life issues through their creativity and artistic skills.
Also read: Staff Shortage Hampers Karachi Cybercrime Agency’s Efficiency – Learn how limited manpower is affecting cybercrime investigations
