NCCIA Arrests Two Suspects Over Alleged Blackmail and Child Exploitation
National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Lahore Zone has arrested two suspects in separate operations for serious cybercrimes.
Alleged Blackmail
In the first operation, NCCIA arrested Kashif Ali for allegedly drugging a citizen, recording an objectionable video, and subsequently blackmailing him for money. A spokesperson confirmed that the suspect, along with an accomplice, offered a drug-laced drink to the complainant, Ali Hamza, causing him to lose consciousness. They then recorded a video and threatened to circulate it unless a payment was made.
During the investigation, evidence of blackmailing was found through technical examinations of WhatsApp chats, voice messages, and videos recovered from a mobile phone. The suspect was arrested in Chak Shafi, Arifwala tehsil, Pakpattan district, and two mobile phones, including one containing the SIM used in the offense, were seized.
Child Exploitation
In the second operation, NCCIA traced another suspect, Hussam Shahid, using artificial intelligence (AI) and digital tracking techniques. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly recorded and stored videos depicting the sexual exploitation of two minors. He encouraged the children to engage in objectionable acts and saved the recordings in private mode on his TikTok account.
The agency identified and arrested the suspect after technically analyzing the TikTok account and using AI-assisted digital tracing. A mobile phone and a SIM linked to the account were recovered and are under forensic examination.
NCCIA Additional Director Atif Ameer assured continued action against those involved in blackmailing, harassment, and online exploitation of children.