By Khawaja Hamza
Islamabad- The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has exposed an international child pornography network and arrested its alleged ringleader with the assistance of international agencies, according to the agency’s spokesperson.
Addressing a press conference, NCCIA Islamabad Circle Additional Director Muhammad Shoaib Khan provided a detailed briefing on two major cases.
International Child Pornography Network Exposed
The NCCIA spokesperson said the agency had uncovered an international child pornography network. In what the spokesperson described as an unprecedented case in Pakistan’s history, a father was allegedly found involved in committing heinous crimes against his own children.
According to the agency, the suspect allegedly recorded objectionable videos of his four- to five-year-old children and sold them. The videos were traded through secret Telegram groups, with cryptocurrency used to facilitate transactions.
The investigation also revealed disturbing footage involving animal abuse.
The alleged gang leader, who belongs to Skardu, was arrested with the assistance of international agencies.
During the investigation, important leads and evidence linked to Islamabad, Multan and South Punjab were recovered. Raids were conducted to arrest other suspected facilitators involved in the network.
Additional Director Muhammad Shoaib Khan stated that individuals involved in such heinous crimes would be brought to justice.
Suspect Arrested Within 13 Hours in Minor’s Harassment Case
In the second case, a minor girl from Karachi reportedly attempted suicide after becoming distressed by persistent harassment. The girl is currently receiving treatment at a hospital.
According to the NCCIA spokesperson, the suspect had allegedly been continuously harassing and blackmailing the victim for the past two to three years.
With the assistance of the victim’s family, the NCCIA team took timely action, traced the suspect and arrested him in Islamabad within just 13 hours.
The agency reiterated that ensuring justice for affected families remains its top priority. It also reaffirmed its strict zero-tolerance policy against harassment targeting women and children.
NCCIA Issues Cybercrime and Online Safety Warning
Additional Director Muhammad Shoaib Khan urged social media users to exercise caution and think carefully before uploading objectionable content.
He warned that the law would take action against individuals uploading unlawful material and that those involved would not be able to escape legal consequences.
He also urged victims of cybercrime not to remain silent, assuring them that the NCCIA stands ready to assist them.
Citizens were advised to report cybercrime complaints by calling the 1799 helpline, which is available 24 hours a day.
The agency further warned people against sharing their one-time passwords (OTPs), bank account details or personal information with anyone.
Citizens were also urged to beware of fake websites displaying fraudulent telephone numbers, as calling such numbers could expose them to financial fraud and lead to their bank accounts being emptied.
The NCCIA reiterated its commitment to combating cybercrime and taking action against individuals involved in online exploitation, harassment, blackmail and other illegal activities.
