By Dr Ansab Ali Lahore Pakistan

LAHORE: Authorities have arrested 39 people during a crackdown on a group allegedly operating an illegal call centre in Lahore under the cover of a fake medical billing service.

The operation was conducted under the supervision of Additional Director of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), Lahore Zone, Atif Ameer, as part of an ongoing crackdown on organised cyber fraud.

According to an NCCIA spokesperson, the operation was launched following an inquiry based on confidential information. Investigators found that the group was allegedly operating in Lahore under the name “MediConvox”, presenting itself as a medical billing service provider.

The spokesperson said the call centre contacted international citizens under the pretext of a Canada-related mobility campaign and attracted potential victims through various promotional and marketing offers.

Investigators found that the suspects allegedly posed as representatives of a legitimate service provider and obtained personal and financial information from individuals. They also sought credit and debit card details, which were allegedly used in attempts to obtain money from victims.

During the raid, officials seized 24 computers, seven laptops and 42 mobile phones. Three vehicles were also taken into custody, including a Kia Sportage, Kia Picanto and Honda.

The NCCIA said such activities not only cause financial losses to individuals but also damage Pakistan’s reputation and national standing abroad.

Additional Director Lahore Zone Atif Ameer directed the concerned officers to intensify action against organised cyber fraud networks allegedly targeting people in other countries.

Inspector Aaqib Ali Khan is investigating the case. Further investigations are underway to determine the wider network associated with the call centre, identify other individuals involved and establish the methods allegedly used to carry out the financial fraud.