ISLAMABAD (Zubair Kasuri): Authorities have detained 273 foreign nationals during a major raid on another suspected illegal call centre operating in the federal capital.
Teams from three law enforcement agencies, including the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), participated in the joint operation. Investigations have been launched into alleged cybercrime, online fraud and other unlawful activities, as well as the detainees’ visas, sponsors, entry into Pakistan and legal status of their stay.
According to the preliminary nationality breakdown, those detained include 71 Indonesians, 69 Vietnamese, 47 Thai nationals, 42 Chinese, 14 Myanmar nationals, one South Korean and one citizen of Vanuatu.
The figures provided in the initial breakdown total 245, while the overall number of detainees has been stated as 273. Authorities are verifying the nationalities of the remaining 28 individuals.
The NCCIA Cyber Crime Reporting Centre in Islamabad registered FIR No. 136/2026 on August 19, 2026, in connection with the operation. The case has been registered under Sections 14 and 21 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), 2016, and Sections 419, 420, 34 and 109 of the Pakistan Penal Code.
According to the FIR, the raid was conducted on the basis of intelligence at the former Akbar Flour Mill premises, Plot No. 89, Street No. 7, Sector I-10/3, Islamabad, where an apparently legitimate information technology business was being operated under the name Aofu Group.
The FIR alleges that foreign men and women of different nationalities present at the premises were involved in cybercrime through the internet, including the transmission of objectionable and sexually explicit content and online video activities.
Preliminary investigations indicate that individuals were allegedly approached and lured online before being defrauded for financial gain.
Computers, mobile phones and other digital devices seized during the operation have been sent for forensic examination. The FIR alleges that Aofu Group was engaged in cybercrime, impersonation and online fraud for financial gain under the cover of a legitimate IT business.
Visas Being Cancelled, Names Placed on Blacklists and ECL: FIA DG
FIA Director General Usman Anwar said an FIA team was present during the raid and confirmed that three law enforcement agencies had participated in the operation.
He said the FIA was examining the visa and immigration records of the detained foreign nationals.
According to the FIA director general, proceedings have been initiated to cancel their visas and place their names on the blacklist, the Exit Control List (ECL) and other relevant watchlists.
Their passports, visas, entry records and legal status of stay in Pakistan are also being scrutinised in accordance with the law.
Interior and Foreign Ministries’ Visa Procedures Under Scrutiny
Sources said the investigation would not remain confined to the detained foreign nationals. The existing procedures followed by the visa sections of the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are also being examined.
Investigators will determine the visa categories under which such a large number of foreign nationals entered Pakistan, the grounds on which their visas were issued, and the individuals, companies or organisations that sponsored them.
Authorities are also examining who provided the sponsorship and supporting documents, at what level they were verified, how the required security clearances were obtained, and whether the activities of the foreign nationals in Pakistan were consistent with the purposes stated in their visa applications.
Sources said the entire process, from the submission and approval of visa applications to entry into Pakistan, stay in the country and subsequent business activities, would be investigated.
Any government officer, official, sponsor, company or local facilitator whose role is established through evidence will also be brought within the scope of the investigation.
Investigative teams are also examining the detainees’ financial transactions, local connections and the administrative structure of the suspected call centre.
Digital forensic analysis is being conducted to determine how long the network had been operating, where the allegedly defrauded funds were transferred, who its local facilitators were, and whether similar call centres are operating in Islamabad or other parts of the country under the same network or business model.
