Nine arrested in massive crackdown on mobile phone loan offering apps

ISLAMABAD: Nine individuals have been apprehended in a significant crackdown conducted by the Cybercrime Wing of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) for their alleged involvement in blackmailing individuals through mobile applications (apps) offering loans.

A total of 19 other suspects have also been booked in connection with this illicit activity.

The investigation by the FIA was initiated following the tragic suicide of an unemployed man residing in Rawalpindi, who was unable to repay the interest on a loan obtained from one of these apps. It is believed that the individual had been subjected to blackmail by the operator of the online application.

FIA Director General (DG) Mohsin Hasan Butt promptly took cognizance of the matter and directed the Cybercrime Wing to thoroughly investigate the case and apprehend the individuals responsible for the wrongdoing.

During the operation, the FIA team conducted a raid in the G-8 sector, where they sealed two offices and seized laptops and other relevant materials. Furthermore, the decision was made to block the online advertisements of the app.

Additionally, the FIA has reportedly requested the Security Exchange Commission (SEC) to provide details about the app company involved in the case.

An official from the FIA stated that the Cybercrime Circle had already commenced an investigation based on a request made by the victim’s family members. The FIA is currently in the process of gathering records of calls and emails sent by the app company to the victim, further aiding in their investigation.