Islamabad: New revelations have emerged in the investigation into a massive digital fraud operation carried out through call centers in Islamabad, involving the transfer and laundering of hundreds of billions of rupees.
According to Dawn News, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA)’s Banking Circle has uncovered an additional network of fake bank accounts. The number of fraudulent accounts across various commercial and microfinance banks has now reached 192.
Investigators revealed that these bogus accounts, set up under the names of fictitious companies, were used to transfer a staggering Rs400 billion. A significant portion of this amount was allegedly laundered overseas via Bitcoin and other crypto currencies.
The investigation has also tightened the noose around certain cybercrime officers suspected of collusion with the digital fraud syndicate. A breakthrough came when the forensic analysis of the mobile phone of Nida Khan, the alleged ringleader of the digital gang, revealed crucial information.
Chats between Nida Khan and cybercrime officials have reportedly become part of the official record. Additionally, both her travel history and that of certain officers are now under scrutiny by the investigation team.
The case was originally registered by the Commercial Banking Circle of the FIA Islamabad Zone, based on a report submitted by the State Bank of Pakistan. The FIA has since formally launched a detailed investigation into the matter.
This case is shaping up to be one of the most extensive digital financial crimes in Pakistan’s history, with widespread implications for cybersecurity and financial regulation.
