Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has directed the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) to intensify its crackdown on cybercrime, targeting online financial fraud, harassment and organised criminal networks operating in the digital space.
The directive came during a visit to the NCCIA Central Zone headquarters in Lahore, where the minister chaired a special meeting to review ongoing operations and investigations against cybercriminals, according to Dunya News.
Case-by-Case Review Ordered to End Delays
The meeting resolved to accelerate action against online financial fraud, harassment and organised cybercrime networks. Naqvi inspected the complaints cell, forensic laboratory and investigation wing, reviewing the entire process from the registration of citizens’ complaints through to investigations and action against suspects.
He instructed officials to review pending cases and complaints individually and to eliminate unnecessary delays, stressing that citizens should not have to wait months after filing complaints and that timely progress must be visible in every case.
Push for Stronger Digital Forensics and Training
The interior minister ordered measures to enhance digital forensic capabilities, adopt modern forensic tools and provide specialised training to investigation officers. He directed authorities to act without discrimination against organised groups involved in online financial fraud, fake accounts, digital blackmail and online harassment.
Naqvi said an effective immediate-response mechanism should be established for financial fraud complaints, enabling timely coordination with relevant institutions to help secure victims’ funds and improve the chances of tracing suspects.
He noted that traditional investigation methods alone could not counter new forms of cybercrime and underscored the need for modern technology and trained manpower, adding that the NCCIA should be transformed into a modern cyber police force capable of protecting citizens in the digital world.
Priority for Cases Involving Women and Children
The minister directed officials to give special priority to complaints involving online harassment, blackmail and the digital exploitation of women and children. He described the protection of citizens’ data, privacy and financial interests as a fundamental responsibility of the NCCIA.
He also called for an effective public awareness campaign to help citizens identify new methods of online fraud and protect themselves from cybercrime.
Recent Operations in Lahore
The NCCIA director general briefed the interior minister on the Central Zone’s performance, cases under investigation, cyber fraud trends and ongoing operations. The DG FIA, the Islamabad police chief, the FIA Lahore Zone director and other relevant officials were also present.
Recent NCCIA operations in Lahore have targeted alleged cyber fraud and illegal call centres, with 11 suspects arrested on September 24 and digital devices seized for investigation.
