Swindler arrested in Rs4m online scam

Sources say gang used social media to lure unsuspecting citizens

RAWALPINDI:

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA)'s Cyber Crime Circle claimed on Thursday to have apprehended a man allegedly involved in an online financial scandal. The accused is believed to have received approximately Rs4 million into various bank accounts through fraud.

Authorities arrested Rashid Malik from Rawalpindi for allegedly facilitating a gang involved in financial fraud. The gang's modus operandi was to lure citizens through social media, creating fake accounts, and pretending to be relatives of the victims to extort money.

A preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect, in collusion with other accomplices, opened four bank accounts using fake documents. These accounts received over Rs 1.77 million obtained through fraudulent means.

The suspect received over Rs4m in his accounts and was apprehended red-handed while attempting to withdraw money from a bank.

The accused allegedly received a 3-5% commission on the fraudulent amount obtained by the gang and checks were also recovered from their possession.

According to FIA officials, a case has been registered against six accused, and an investigation is underway. The other gang members cheated numerous residents and minted millions of rupees from them, he said, adding raids were continuing to arrest runaway suspects.