NCCIA data shows billions of rupees lost to cyber fraud in Pakistan

Cybercriminals have taken about Rs8.32 billion from Pakistanis over three years, according to a document reported by Express News. The report says the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) managed to arrest only 3,082 suspects in that period, and that the number of cases registered is very low.

The document gives yearly figures. In 2024, about 83,000 complaints were received and 863 FIRs were registered. In 2025, 76,000 complaints came in and 999 FIRs were registered. In 2026, 68,000 complaints were received and 391 cases were registered. The report also puts the number of people who fell victim to fraud at 83,000 in 2024, 76,646 in 2025 and 68,031 in 2026.

Separately, NCCIA officials briefed the Senate Standing Committee on Human Rights, according to Daily Jang. They said 60 percent of cybercrime cases in Pakistan involve financial fraud.

The officials said most fraud is carried out through one-time passwords (OTPs). Fraud through WhatsApp or SMS ranks second. Account hacking and crypto Ponzi schemes rank fourth on the list of financial fraud.

Committee chairperson Samina Mumtaz Zehri said crypto was also part of the Mir Raza case, and that details of that case emerged in a very filmy manner. Senator Quratulain Marri raised the matter of fraud involving MPs Farhan Chishti and Shehryar Mehr, saying suspects obtained duplicate SIMs of both members.

NCCIA officials replied that this matter concerns telecom companies and the SECP, and that responses should be sought from them. The officials also briefed the committee, with the Chinese embassy, on online fraud, saying the people behind it are based in Cambodia.