By Dr Ansab Ali Lahore Pakistan

LAHORE: Pakistan’s cybercrime authorities have arrested 39 people, including a woman, during a raid on an alleged illegal call centre in Lahore that reportedly used artificial intelligence (AI) to create fake explicit images of borrowers who failed to repay loans.

The operation was carried out under the supervision of Additional Director Cyber Crime Atif Ameer after search warrants were obtained. Officials raided the premises of Talk Master Private Limited in GCP Society and arrested 38 men and one woman.

During the raid, investigators recovered 40 laptops and 41 mobile phones from the call centre.

According to investigators, the centre was operating several instant loan applications, including Gurbat Fund, Jahez Fund, Cash Air, Credi Cheque and Credit Support.

Investigators alleged that the apps obtained access to borrowers’ photo galleries and contact lists after being installed on their mobile phones.

When borrowers failed to repay loans on time, call centre staff allegedly used AI tools to manipulate their photographs and create explicit images. The victims were then allegedly threatened that the fabricated images would be sent to their family members and other contacts unless they made immediate payments.

The seized laptops and mobile phones have been sealed and will be examined by forensic experts.

Investigators are also examining the funds received through the alleged operation and investigating whether the network had links to individuals or entities outside Pakistan.