In a significant operation, Pakistan’s intelligence agencies, in coordination with the National Cybercrime Investigation Agency (NCCI) Multan, have dismantled an international cybercrime syndicate operating within the country.
Five individuals – Muhammad Aslam, Adeel Aziz, Usama Nawaz, Abdul Moeez, and Shoaib Nazir – were arrested as part of a 21-member gang involved in large-scale online fraud, primarily targeting American citizens.
The group was allegedly led by Rameez Shahzad, a resident of Fatehpur Layyah, who established the cybercrime network in Lahore and Multan. Shahzad reportedly made frequent trips to Abu Dhabi to coordinate fraudulent operations.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Dutch authorities had earlier traced and blocked multiple scam websites linked to the group. Following the crackdown, luxury vehicles and other assets worth millions were seized, and substantial digital evidence – including mobile phones, laptops, and data storage devices – was recovered during further raids in Lahore.
All suspects have been barred from leaving the country, with their names added to the Exit Control List (ECL). Legal proceedings have been initiated under Pakistan’s Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) and other relevant laws, as authorities continue efforts to apprehend the remaining gang members.
Meanwhile, in a separate development, UK-based artificial intelligence company Builder.ai – once valued at $1.5 billion and backed by Microsoft – has filed for bankruptcy.
The company, which had promoted its AI-powered app-building platform ‘Natasha’ as a cutting-edge tool capable of independently designing and coding applications, was exposed for misleading claims. Investigations revealed that the majority of the work attributed to AI was actually carried out by a workforce of over 700 engineers based in India.
The revelations have sparked widespread concern over transparency and accountability in the AI sector.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Syndigate.info
).
