ISLAMABAD: The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency announced on August 13 that it had arrested 114 foreigners. It linked them to an alleged cyber-romance and sextortion network.
The NCCIA said the detainees included 111 Chinese citizens and three Vietnamese nationals. It accused the group of operating through a registered information technology company.
According to the agency, suspects used online platforms to target people in several countries. Investigators allege they lured victims into explicit video calls and exploited recorded material for blackmail and financial fraud.
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The NCCIA registered a case under sections 14 and 21 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016 (PECA). It also invoked sections 419, 420, 34 and 109 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).
The cited provisions cover alleged electronic fraud, sexual blackmail, impersonation, cheating, common intention and abetment.
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The agency said it was identifying more victims and tracing the operation’s digital infrastructure and financial flows. Officials also shared the detainees’ names and passport numbers with relevant authorities, according to the NCCIA.
