FIR alleges victims forced to pay cash, bank transfers and cryptocurrency
GUJRANWALA: A serious corruption case has emerged within the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) in Gujranwala, where the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) Composite Circle has registered an FIR against three serving cybercrime officers and several private accomplices on charges including extortion, bribery, torture, and misuse of official powers.
At least three government officials, along with other suspects, have been arrested in connection with the case.
The NCCIA, set up to enforce cybercrime laws, is facing intense scrutiny after allegations that some of its officers colluded with private individuals to strike illegal financial deals with suspects involved in online fraud cases, allegedly allowing them to walk free in exchange for millions of rupees.
The action was initiated following intelligence reports and a formal complaint by a citizen, prompting the FIA to register a case.
According to the FIR, complainant Muzammil Iqbal of Garden Town, Gujranwala, said he learned that certain officers of the FIA Cyber Crime Wing were routinely extracting large sums from accused persons through intermediaries.
He alleged that on February 2, 2025, several unidentified men entered his home claiming to be FIA officials, detained his family, confiscated mobile phones, and subjected male members to physical torture. The victims were blindfolded and locked in a room.
The complainant stated that 15 mobile phones, a laptop, a vehicle, cash, and ATM cards were taken during the incident.
Later, the family was moved to the FIA Cyber Crime office, where they were interrogated about their online business dealings and cryptocurrency transactions.
The FIR further claims that the victims were coerced into paying substantial amounts in cash, cryptocurrency, and via bank transfers on multiple occasions, with additional demands made to avoid legal consequences.
While some seized items were eventually returned, the cash and one mobile phone were allegedly withheld.
Another complainant, Salman Raza, accused the same group of abducting and torturing his family and demanding Rs50 million in extortion.
Muzammil Iqbal stated that after negotiations allegedly involving FIA officials, a settlement of Rs30 million was agreed upon, of which Rs3 million was paid in cash and approximately Rs1.5 million through bank and ATM transactions before the family was released.
Following an initial inquiry, the FIA registered a case against Cyber Crime Wing officials Mujahid Ali, Shahroz, and Allah Yar, along with 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 authorities said a transparent investigation is under way and assured that all individuals found responsible will face prosecution, along with departmental disciplinary action.
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