FIA Briefs Senate Committee on Alleged Rs172 Billion Call Centre Fraud

The Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecom was briefed on an alleged fraud worth Rs172 billion carried out through call centres.

Officials from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) told the committee that companies registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) were allegedly used to conduct fraudulent activities.

FIA Briefs Senate Committee on Alleged Rs172 Billion Call Centre Fraud

According to FIA officials, both Chinese and Pakistani nationals were among those involved in the alleged fraud. The officials said investigations into call centre-related fraud require technical expertise, which is available with the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA).

Money Allegedly Transferred Abroad Through Cryptocurrency

NCCIA officials told the committee that money obtained through fraudulent activities was being transferred to other countries through cryptocurrency.

The agency also informed lawmakers that foreign nationals were involved in operating illegal call centres in Pakistan. Citizens of China, Vietnam, Myanmar and other countries were allegedly involved in call centre-related fraud.

Officials said these call centres were primarily targeting foreign citizens rather than Pakistani nationals.

Foreign Nationals Control Call Centre Companies

According to the NCCIA briefing, foreign nationals hold significant ownership and control in some companies operating call centres linked to fraudulent activities.

Pakistani citizens also work at these call centres, according to the officials.

The briefing highlighted the involvement of foreign nationals in the management and ownership of some call centre companies, while Pakistani workers were employed at these facilities.

Some Victims Received Recovered Funds

NCCIA officials also told the committee that authorities had recovered money from some call centres and returned payments to affected victims.

The committee was informed that technical expertise is required to investigate complex call centre fraud cases, particularly where digital transactions and cryptocurrency transfers are involved.

The briefing reflects growing concerns over the use of call centres, registered companies and digital financial channels in alleged fraud schemes and the movement of illicit funds outside Pakistan.

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