Sensitive intelligence agencies and the National Cybercrime Investigation Agency (NCCI) Multan have arrested 14 members of a 21-member organized gang operating a global cybercrime network from Pakistan.
The gang, led by Rameez Shahzad -- also known as Heartsender -- is accused of defrauding millions of dollars from American citizens and other foreigners.
According to exclusive details obtained by Samaa TV, the operation was led by Additional Director Abdul Ghaffar of NCCI Multan. In coordinated raids across Multan and Lahore, six suspects were arrested from Lahore and eight from Multan. The accused had established an extensive online scam network with operational hubs in Bahria Town, Lahore and Sabzazar Colony, Multan.
FBI collaboration
Sources confirmed that the action followed an international probe involving the FBI and Dutch police, who were investigating online fraud by the Heartsender Group. Dozens of scam websites linked to the group were shut down in joint operations across multiple jurisdictions, exposing the vast digital footprint of the criminals.
High-profile suspects and recovered assets
The alleged ringleader, Rameez Shahzad, hails from Fatehpur Layyah and frequently travelled to Abu Dhabi, where he is believed to have coordinated much of the fraud. His travel history has been obtained by authorities. Although Shahzad is still at large, his accomplices have been identified as Muhammad Aslam, Adeel Aziz, Osama Nawaz, Abdul Moeez, and Shoaib Nazir, among others.
During raids on four properties in Bahria Town, law enforcement officials recovered a large cache of digital evidence, including mobile phones, laptops, and data storage devices used in the commission of the crimes. Authorities have also seized luxury vehicles and other assets worth millions of rupees believed to have been acquired through illicit means.
Legal action
A formal case has been registered against the suspects under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016 along with relevant sections of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC). To prevent escape, the names of all gang members have been added to the Exit Control List (ECL), barring them from international travel.
The arrested suspects have been produced in court, and the NCCI has secured a seven-day physical remand to carry out further investigations. Raids are still ongoing to apprehend the remaining seven gang members, including Hasnain Raza, who reportedly fled the scene before the raids.
