“149 Arrested in Pakistan Over Online Fraud and Ponzi Scheme; Majority Are Chinese Nationals” – Cyber Crime Investigation

“149 Arrested in Pakistan Over Online Fraud and Ponzi Scheme; Majority Are Chinese Nationals” – Cyber Crime Investigation

Islamabad | July 10, 2025

Pakistan’s National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency has arrested 149 individuals in connection with an online investment fraud and Ponzi scheme. Among those arrested, 71 are foreign nationals, most of whom are Chinese citizens, according to an official statement released Thursday.

Raid Based on Intelligence

A raid was carried out at an illegal call center in Faisalabad, an industrial city in eastern Pakistan, based on confidential intelligence. Authorities stated that the center was being used to extract money from the public through fraudulent means. According to the agency's statement:

“During the operation, a large call center was discovered that was directly involved in Ponzi schemes and investment fraud. Massive amounts of money were collected from the public through tempting offers and deceptive tactics.”

Mastermind Still at Large

The network was reportedly being operated from the residence of Tashin Awan, a former head of the Faisalabad Power Grid. However, he was not present during the raid and is currently on the run. Authorities are still trying to apprehend him.

Breakdown of Those Arrested

Among the 149 individuals arrested:

• 78 are Pakistani nationals

• 71 are foreign nationals, including:

  • 48 Chinese

  • Others from Nigeria, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, and Myanmar

• 18 of the detainees are women

Modus Operandi of the Scam

The investigation revealed a detailed process of fraud:

• Victims were initially lured with small investments promising modest profits.

• Once trust was gained, they were encouraged to invest larger sums.

• Communication was maintained through WhatsApp groups and Telegram channels.

• The scam often started with minor investment tasks, such as subscribing to TikTok or YouTube channels, which appeared legitimate.

Regional Context and Global Links

This case sheds light on the increasing influence of foreign cybercrime syndicates in South Asia. Notably, Sri Lanka had deported 85 Chinese nationals in June over similar cybercrime allegations.

China itself has acknowledged that due to its strict domestic crackdown on cybercrime, some criminal syndicates have shifted operations abroad. Over the past decade, hundreds of cyber fraud cases across Southeast Asia, Africa, and parts of Europe have reportedly involved Chinese nationals.

This growing cross-border trend continues to challenge international law enforcement and cybersecurity frameworks.