Pakistan’s National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has made a critical arrest. The arrest is part of a major investigation into an international child exploitation network.
The suspect, identified as Asim Mahmood Qasim from Lahore, is a key member of this syndicate. The network distributes harmful material through social media platforms. Authorities arrested Qasim after a year-long investigation. During questioning, he confessed to committing horrific acts against two young relatives over many years.
The abuse reportedly started as far back as 2008. One victim was his two-and-a-half-year-old niece. The other was his cousin. The suspect recorded videos of the abuse. He then sold this material on the dark web. Officials have recovered over 50 such videos from his possession.
The case began with a tip from Singapore. NCCIA’s Technical Assistant, Anis Ur Rehman, led the digital investigation.
NCCIA busts international child exploitation network, main Suspect arrested
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He worked with international authorities from Australia, Portugal, and Brazil. Together, they tracked Qasim’s digital footprint across borders. The arrest is a success for the international “Operation Roads and Iceberg.”
The network used popular messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram. They operated in groups with names like “Rainbow” and “Mallowdale Ken.”
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Evidence collected includes mobile phones, social media data, and hard drives. A formal case has now been registered against the accused. The NCCIA continues to gather evidence with help from Interpol.