Three Accused NCCIA Officials Resign Amid Ongoing FIA Bribery Case Investigation

Three senior officials of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) have resigned from their posts as an investigation into a major bribery case continues. The probe is being conducted by the Federal Investigation Agency. However, progress has been slow, raising serious concerns.

According to an official NCCIA notification, the resignations were accepted by the Ministry of Interior. The officers who stepped down include Deputy Director Sarfaraz Chaudhry, Assistant Director Muhammad Usman, and Assistant Director Shoaib Riaz. Their resignations took effect on November 20. Another officer, Assistant Director Asma Majeed, also resigned separately.

Three Accused NCCIA Officials Resign Amid Ongoing FIA Bribery Case Investigation

The scandal surfaced in October and exposed widespread misuse of authority within the NCCIA. The case involves allegations of bribery, corruption, and abuse of power. A total of nine NCCIA officials were arrested in Lahore. Another twelve were booked in Islamabad. They are accused of receiving large sums of money from individuals, call centres, and aggregator companies.

An internal inquiry revealed that the accused officials worked as an organised group. The group allegedly took monthly bribes to protect illegal call centres. These centres were involved in online fraud and other cyber crimes. The inquiry also pointed to serious failures in oversight within the agency.

Investigators are also examining claims that some suspects were linked to a so-called blasphemy gang. This group allegedly framed individuals to extort money. These allegations have further damaged the credibility of the cybercrime body.

Although only a few officers have resigned so far, sources suggest more dismissals may follow. The NCCIA was established only last year. The scandal has therefore raised questions about its structure and internal controls.

Meanwhile, the FIA has yet to complete its investigation. All nine arrested officials remain in jail. However, sources claim that detailed interrogations have not taken place. The investigation report has also not been submitted to the court. This delay has led to criticism that the FIA may be protecting former colleagues. Many of the accused previously served in the FIA’s cybercrime wing.

When questioned, an FIA spokesperson said only that the matter was under investigation. No timeline was provided for completion of the probe.

See Also: FIA Recovers Rs 425 Million in NCCIA Corruption Cases

One of the most high-profile cases linked to the scandal involves YouTuber Saad ur Rehman, known as Ducky Bhai. The officials are accused of taking bribes in a case related to the promotion of gambling applications. Ducky Bhai has also alleged that he was tortured while in NCCIA custody.

His wife, Aroob Jatoi, claimed that the officials took over Rs100 million in cash and foreign currency. These claims have added public pressure for accountability.

The officials were booked under corruption and criminal misconduct laws. Investigators say the accused kept a share of the money and distributed the rest among group members.

Sources say the NCCIA failed in its core mission. Instead of fighting cybercrime, it allegedly became part of it. There were also disturbing complaints about the exploitation of women victims. These allegations continue to shock the public and demand urgent reform.