NCCIA nabs four involved in child exploitation, online blackmail

LAHORE, Aug 06 (APP): The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has arrested four suspects during a province-wide crackdown on cybercrimes involving child sexual exploitation material, online harassment, blackmail and the misuse of private images and videos.

According to an NCCIA spokesperson, the agency arrested a suspect in Lahore allegedly involved in possessing and selling child sexual exploitation material and obscene digital content involving animals. The suspect was taken into custody and digital evidence was seized for forensic examination.

In a separate operation in provincial capital, another suspect was arrested for allegedly harassing, defaming and cyberbullying a minor through social media. Digital evidence was also recovered from the suspect, while further forensic analysis is underway.

The spokesperson said two more suspects were arrested in separate operations in Multan for allegedly blackmailing women through private photographs and videos, issuing threats via WhatsApp and sharing objectionable content on social media.

In one case, investigators recovered a mobile phone and objectionable digital material belonging to the victim from the suspect’s possession, while investigations are continuing into another case involving the alleged online blackmail and intimidation of a woman.

Punjab NCCIA Director Muhammad Ali Wasim said the agency would continue indiscriminate action against those involved in online child sexual exploitation, harassment, blackmail and other cybercrimes.

The director urged parents to monitor their children’s online activities, promote the safe use of social media and promptly report any suspicious cyber activity or online blackmail to the NCCIA for timely action.