A shocking corruption scandal has rocked the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) in Rawalpindi, where 13 officers are accused of extorting illegal call centers and collecting millions in bribes.

Investigations by the FIA have uncovered alarming details of coercion, torture, and large-scale financial misconduct.

Investigations reveal that 13 NCIA officers were collecting Rs 15 million per month from 15 illegal call centers in Rawalpindi. Between September 2024 and April 2025, Rs 120 million was reportedly extorted from these businesses.

Additional Director Shahzad Haider’s team allegedly routed the money through a frontman, Hassan Amir. Sub-Inspector Bilal reportedly demanded Rs 800,000 per month from a new call center, while SHO Mian Irfan allegedly finalized a Rs 40 million deal after raiding a call center in Sector F-11, Islamabad.

Officers’ hierarchy and roles

Amir Nazir was appointed in May 2025 as the Rawalpindi office head, supported by Deputy Director Nadeem Khan and Sub-Inspector Sarem Ali. Later, Deputy Director Salman Alvi joined the team. Sub-Inspector Sarim appointed his secretary, Mohiuddin, as a frontman to facilitate payments.

During a raid on a Rawalpindi call center, 14 Chinese nationals were arrested. One of them was married to a local woman, Areeba Rabab. Sarim reportedly sent her a video showing her husband being tortured and demanded Rs 800,000 for his release.

A total of Rs 12 million was reportedly collected for the release of the remaining 13 Chinese nationals, with an additional Rs 1 million collected to fulfill legal requirements. The Rs 21 million from these transactions was allegedly divided among the officers, with Sarim Ali receiving Rs 1.7 million, Usman Basharat Rs 1.4 million, and Zaheer Abbas Rs 1 million. Deputy Director Nadeem Khan received Rs 9.5 million, passing Rs 7 million to Additional Director Amir Nazir and keeping the rest.

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has formed specialized teams to apprehend the accused officers. Authorities are prioritizing swift arrests to prevent further misuse of power and to hold the individuals accountable.