ISLAMABAD: The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has arrested 114 foreign nationals, including 111 Chinese and three Vietnamese citizens, for allegedly running a cyber-romance and sextortion network from a registered IT business in the capital.

According to details released by the NCCIA’s media wing, the accused allegedly used electronic means and online platforms to target individuals in different countries.

The network was allegedly involved in luring foreign nationals into online sexual conversations, including video chats and explicit video calls, and subsequently exploiting the material for criminal and financial purposes.

Officials said the investigation also revealed indicators linking the accused to organised cybercrime activities, including cyber-romance-related financial fraud.

NCCIA Islamabad has registered the case under Sections 14 and 21 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) 2016, read with Sections 419, 420, 34 and 109 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).

Section 14 of Peca deals with electronic fraud. It criminalises using any information system, device or data to deceive a person for wrongful gain. It covers phishing, online scams and running fraudulent setups online.

Offences under the section are punishable with up to two years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to Rs10 million, or both.

Section 21 deals with offences against the modesty of a natural person and a minor. It covers sexual blackmail, revenge porn, deepfakes and inducing a person to engage in sexually explicit acts online to cause harm, blackmail or extort them.

It also provides for the immediate removal or blocking of such content by the NCCIA upon a complaint.

Offences under the section are punishable with up to five years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs5 million. The punishment is more severe if the victim is a minor.

Section 419 of the PPC deals with cheating by personation. It prescribes a punishment of up to seven years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both for impersonating another person to cheat. It also covers the use of fake profiles and identities on social media platforms.

Section 420 of the PPC applies when a person is deceived into paying money or handing over property. It covers the financial fraud involved in cyber-romance scams, with the offence punishable by up to seven years’ imprisonment and a fine.

Sections 34 and 109 of the PPC deal with common intention and abetment, respectively, and have been invoked to hold all members of the organised network liable, including planners, facilitators and financiers.

The agency said further investigation was underway to establish the complete role of all those involved, identify additional victims and beneficiaries, and trace the financial and digital infrastructure used in the alleged activities.

The NCCIA has also shared a list of the arrested individuals, along with their passport numbers.