ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN — Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has launched a sweeping crackdown on a transnational cybercrime network accused of orchestrating multibillion-rupee scams through illegal call centers and digital platforms.
Dubbed “Operation Grey,” the raids have already netted a private bank manager and a woman allegedly tied to the syndicate, with investigations revealing connections spanning ten countries across Asia and Africa.
Network spans 10 countries and multiple fraud schemes
The State Bank of Pakistan flagged suspicious transactions worth billions of rupees across 36 corporate accounts, sparking the investigation.
Officials confirmed the network spans Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, China, and several African nations, using sophisticated methods to evade detection.
The syndicate allegedly operated fraudulent loan apps, fake investment platforms, and call center scams, funneling profits through hawala networks before converting them to cryptocurrency for offshore transfers.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif are receiving direct updates due to the operation’s scale.
The arrested bank manager’s involvement suggests complicity within financial institutions, raising concerns about systemic vulnerabilities.
Hybrid scam tactics exploit digital and traditional laundering
The syndicate diversified its illegal revenue streams, operating online gambling rings, pornographic sites, and phishing scams alongside conventional fraud.
Investigators noted that the group relied on hundi systems for cash movement and cryptocurrencies for cross-border transfers, complicating tracking efforts. This hybrid approach allowed the network to target victims globally while obscuring money trails.
The FIA’s crackdown highlights Pakistan’s struggle against cybercrime-financed terrorism and tax evasion. While two arrests mark initial progress, the involvement of international actors necessitates coordination with Interpol and regional agencies.
Authorities plan to expand the campaign nationwide after Eid, aiming to dismantle financial scams and strengthen cybersecurity measures across the region.
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