The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Punjab has arrested 10 suspects in separate operations carried out across Lahore, Multan, and Faisalabad for allegedly harassing women online, blackmailing them, and using objectionable content to exert pressure on victims.
The operations were conducted on the directions of Director NCCIA Punjab, Muhammad Ali Waseem. Mobile phones, digital evidence, and other relevant devices were recovered from the suspects and taken into custody for forensic examination.
In Lahore, Mustafa and Arif were arrested in two separate cases involving the alleged online harassment of women.
Similarly, in Multan, Aziz, Tanveer, and Asad were arrested in one case, while Ashfaq and Tahir were taken into custody in separate cases on charges of harassing women through online platforms.
During operations in Faisalabad, a suspect identified as Fakhar was arrested for allegedly blackmailing his former wife by sending her videos and photographs to her relatives. In another case, Farooq was arrested on charges of harassing a woman online.
In a separate operation in Faisalabad, Haseeb was also arrested. He is accused of using Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to create fake and objectionable images of his former friend, threatening to circulate them on social media, and extorting PKR 2 million from the victim.
According to officials, preliminary investigations and the digital evidence recovered indicate the involvement of the arrested suspects in online harassment and blackmailing activities targeting women. Further investigations are underway, and additional legal action will be taken in light of the forensic analysis reports.
Director NCCIA Punjab Muhammad Ali Waseem stated that the agency will continue taking indiscriminate action against individuals involved in blackmailing, harassing, and damaging the dignity and reputation of women. He reaffirmed that all available resources would be utilized to ensure such offenders are brought to justice in accordance with the law.