ISLAMABAD: An international child sexual abuse material network involving a man who allegedly made and sold explicit videos of his own children was busted, the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) said on Sunday.

“The accused was involved in making and selling indecent videos of his children, aged between four and five, and selling them. The videos were bought and sold in secret Telegram groups using cryptocurrency,” NCCIA Additional Director Mohammad Shoaib Khan said at a press conference.

This was the first case in Pakistan in which a man had been found involved in such a heinous crime against his own minor children, the official said.

The investigation also uncovered videos depicting animal abuse, he said, adding that the alleged ringleader, who hailed from Skardu, had been arrested with international assistance.

Official advises citizens to ‘think twice’ before uploading any compromising material

During the probe, important leads were obtained from Islamabad, Multan and southern Punjab, while raids were being conducted to arrest other gang members, Mr Khan said.

In a similar case, the NCCIA official said four members of another network dealing in child abuse material had been arrested. He said the suspects befriended children aged between six and 14 on Instagram, lured them into making indecent videos, which were then sold internationally. Around 60 such videos were recovered from a phone, he added.

Harassment, suicide

Sharing details of another case, the additional director said a minor girl from Karachi had attempted suicide after experiencing prolonged harassment. Mr Khan said the NCCIA team, with the help of the victim’s family, had traced and arrested the main suspect in Islamabad within hours. He said the suspect had been harassing and blackmailing the victim for the previous two to three years.

“Strict enforcement of a zero-tolerance policy against those harassing women and children is being ensured,” he said.

He advised social media users to remain vigilant. “Think before uploading any indecent material. The law is being enforced, and those uploading unlawful content will not escape justice,” he said.

He urged citizens not to share their one-time passwords, bank account details or personal information with anyone. He also advised them to beware of fraudulent phone numbers and fake websites, warning that calling such numbers could result in their bank accounts being emptied.

“If you are a victim of cybercrime, do not remain silent; the NCCIA stands with you,” he said, adding that citizens could call the helpline at 1799 to lodge complaints. The helpline is available 24 hours a day.

Zero-tolerance policy

Meanwhile, NCCIA Director General Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi directed the relevant officials to adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards those harassing citizens, particularly women and children, on social media.

The DG directed officials to strengthen the protection of citizens on social media, expedite complaint resolution and improve institutional coordination. He also ordered strict monitoring of accounts spreading fake news, negative propaganda against state institutions and content intended to spread fear and panic among the public, as well as action against those responsible.

Published in Dawn, October 26th, 2026