LAHORE: The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) arrested 39 people during a crackdown on an alleged illegal call centre operating in the city under the cover of a fake medical billing service, officials said on Monday.
The operation was conducted under the supervision of Additional Director NCCIA Lahore Zone Atif Ameer as part of an ongoing campaign against organised cyber fraud.
According to an NCCIA spokesperson, the action was initiated following an inquiry based on confidential information. The investigation revealed that the suspects were allegedly operating the call centre under the name “MediConvox” while presenting it as a medical billing service provider.
The spokesperson said the call centre contacted foreign citizens under the pretext of a Canada-related mobility campaign and attracted them through promotional and marketing offers.
The suspects allegedly posed as representatives of a legitimate service provider and obtained personal and financial information from individuals. They also sought credit and debit card details, which were allegedly used in attempts to obtain money from victims.
During the operation, the agency seized 24 computers, seven laptops and 42 mobile phones. Three vehicles were also taken into custody.
The NCCIA said such activities not only caused financial losses to individuals but also damaged Pakistan’s reputation abroad. Further investigations are under way to trace the wider network, identify other individuals involved and determine the methods allegedly used to carry out the financial fraud.
Published in Dawn, October 6th, 2026
