By Muhammad Shahzad
Lahore, Pakistan

LAHORE: Acting on special directives of Director NCCIA Punjab Hassam bin Iqbal, the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has intensified its crackdown on cyber harassment, blackmail and online threats across Punjab, arresting six suspects in separate cases in Lahore, Faisalabad and Multan.

Several mobile phones and WhatsApp accounts allegedly linked to the suspects were recovered during the operations. Digital evidence obtained from the devices has been secured for further investigation and forensic examination.

In Lahore, the NCCIA arrested a man identified as Iftikhar on a complaint filed by a woman. He is accused of allegedly harassing and threatening his former wife and using her private pictures and videos to blackmail her.

During the technical examination, threatening messages and objectionable material were allegedly found on WhatsApp. A mobile phone was also recovered from the suspect and sent for forensic analysis.

In Faisalabad, the agency arrested Muhammad Asif and Muhammad Irfan in two separate cases. Both suspects are accused of allegedly harassing, threatening and blackmailing complainants through WhatsApp and social media using objectionable data.

One mobile phone and an alleged WhatsApp number were recovered in each case.

In Multan, the NCCIA arrested Muhammad Shoaib, Muhammad Salar and Ahmed Ali in three separate cyber harassment cases. The suspects are being investigated for allegedly harassing women through electronic means and causing them mental distress.

Mobile phones were taken into custody in all three cases, while forensic examination of the digital evidence is under way.

The NCCIA said that, under the directions of Director Punjab Hassam bin Iqbal, efforts to curb cyber harassment, blackmail and online threats were being further strengthened.

Further legal action in all the cases will be taken in light of the available digital evidence and findings of the investigations, the agency said.