Mohsin Naqvi orders intensified crackdown on cybercrime

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Sunday directed the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) to further intensify operations against online financial fraud, harassment, digital blackmail and organised cybercrime networks.

During his visit to the NCCIA Central Zone Headquarters in Lahore, the interior minister reviewed ongoing cybercrime operations and investigations in detail. He inspected the complaints cell, forensic laboratory and investigation wing and reviewed the entire process from registration of citizens’ complaints to investigation and action against accused persons.

Chairing a special meeting, Naqvi directed that indiscriminate action be taken against organised groups involved in online financial fraud, fake accounts, digital blackmail and online harassment.

Read: NCCIA arrests 212 in international fraud probe after raids on 3 illegal Islamabad call centres

“Wherever a cybercriminal may be operating from, he must be brought within the ambit of law,” he said.

The interior minister directed authorities to strengthen the immediate response mechanism for financial fraud complaints so that timely coordination with relevant institutions could help secure victims’ funds and improve the chances of tracing the suspects.

“A citizen should not have to wait for months after filing a complaint. Timely progress should be visible on every complaint,” Naqvi said.

He ordered a case-by-case review of pending cases and complaints and directed officials to eliminate unnecessary delays. He also called for enhanced digital forensic capabilities, the use of modern forensic tools and specialised training for investigation officers.

“New methods of cybercrime cannot be countered through traditional investigations; modern technology and trained human resources are required,” Naqvi stated.

The interior minister said the NCCIA was to be developed into a modern cyber police force capable of protecting citizens in the digital world through advanced technology. He directed that complaints involving online harassment, blackmail and digital exploitation of women and children be accorded special priority.

Read More: Pakistanis lose Rs8.32b to cyber fraud

Naqvi further underlined that protecting citizens’ data, privacy, and financial interests was a fundamental responsibility of the NCCIA, adding that the agency was being provided with modern technology, necessary resources, and training to fulfil this responsibility.

He also directed the NCCIA to make its public awareness campaign against cybercrime more effective and ensure that citizens were promptly informed about new methods of online fraud.

The Director General (DG) NCCIA briefed the interior minister on the performance of the central zone, cases under investigation, emerging cyber fraud trends and ongoing operations.

DG FIA, inspector general Islamabad Police, director FIA Lahore Zone and other relevant officials were also present.