By Farzana Chaudhry | Lahore, Pakistan

LAHORE: The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Punjab has arrested a man accused of posing as a spiritual healer and allegedly exploiting women by offering fraudulent spiritual services before blackmailing them with private photos and videos.

According to NCCIA officials, the suspect allegedly targeted women through online spiritual treatment, Istikhara services, and amulets, taking advantage of their emotional vulnerabilities and personal concerns. Investigators claim he charged substantial amounts of money while promising solutions to spiritual and personal problems and later used sensitive material to harass and blackmail victims.

The arrest was carried out on the directives of NCCIA Punjab Director Muhammad Ali Waseem. The suspect, identified as Hafiz Ali Ahmad, son of Mushtaq Ahmad, has been booked under FIR No. 126/2026 at NCCIA Lahore under Sections 14, 20, 21, and 24 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, as amended in 2025.

Officials said a mobile phone recovered from the suspect contained objectionable material allegedly linked to multiple women. The device has been seized and sent for technical and forensic examination.

According to investigators, the accused allegedly used social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp to contact women, gain their trust through claims of spiritual healing and Istikhara services, and subsequently engage in harassment and blackmail.

Authorities are examining digital evidence, including social media activity, WhatsApp conversations, photographs, videos, and financial transactions, to determine the full extent of the alleged offences. Forensic experts are also investigating whether women were persuaded to share private content that was later used to exert pressure on them.

Sub-Inspector Bilal Riaz, the investigating officer at NCCIA Lahore, said forensic analysis of the recovered digital evidence is ongoing. Investigators are working to identify additional victims and determine whether any accomplices were involved in the alleged scheme.

NCCIA Punjab reaffirmed its commitment to combating cyber-enabled harassment, exploitation, and blackmail, particularly crimes targeting women. The agency urged citizens to report incidents of online abuse and cybercrime through official complaint channels.

The investigation remains ongoing.