Lahore: A gang allegedly involved in defrauding people by posing as government officials and promising government jobs to their children has been busted, with two suspects arrested in Faisalabad on Wednesday. According to National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) spokesperson, the suspects contacted prominent and influential people of the area over the phone, impersonated government officials and claimed that they could arrange jobs for their children in various government departments.
The suspects allegedly created an impression that they had influence over government recruitment processes and demanded money in return for arranging jobs. In some cases, victims were asked to transfer advance payments to mobile accounts. The spokesperson said the suspects had also contacted a resident of Chiniot by phone and offered to facilitate his recruitment for a government job. The victim was subsequently asked to transfer money to different mobile accounts.
During the investigation, the NCCIA conducted technical analysis of the mobile numbers, SIMs and mobile phones allegedly used by the suspects, which helped investigators trace them.
Muhammad Ammar Mehdi was arrested during the operation and two mobile phones were recovered from his possession. Examination of the devices revealed WhatsApp numbers, chats, IMEI numbers and other digital evidence. Investigators also found communications with another suspect, Muhammad Imran, regarding accounts and the alleged fraud, leading to his arrest.
One mobile phone was recovered from Imran, spokesperson said.
Further investigation into the two suspects is underway, while the agency is examining the digital evidence to identify other possible members of the gang and establish the full modus operandi.
Punjab NCCIA Director Muhammad Ali Waseem has directed officials to further intensify action against elements involved in fraud in the name of government officials and jobs.
