ISLAMABAD, 18 JAN (DNA) — The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has successfully dismantled an organized ATM fraud gang operating in Islamabad and other parts of the country, arresting several suspects including the main female ringleader. Officials confirmed that the prime suspect, identified as Asma Minhaj, was apprehended in Chiniot.
Following her arrest, NCCIA teams conducted further raids in Mehra Abadi, Islamabad, leading to the detention of additional gang members. Authorities reported that multiple ATM and debit cards, sensitive electronic equipment, and other incriminating materials were recovered during the operation.
According to initial investigations, the gang specialized in swapping ATM cards of unsuspecting citizens at booths during peak hours, later withdrawing cash from their accounts. Victims were targeted using deceptive tactics designed to confuse and mislead them in crowded banking environments. Officials revealed that the arrested ringleader was already a proclaimed offender and had been wanted in multiple fraud cases across different jurisdictions.
The crackdown is part of NCCIA’s broader campaign against financial crimes and cyber fraud, with further arrests expected as investigations expand. Authorities emphasized that all facilitators and accomplices connected to the network will be brought to justice, while efforts are underway to trace additional victims and financial links tied to the gang’s operations.
Meanwhile, concerns have been raised about the law‑and‑order situation in Islamabad’s G‑12 sector, particularly the Mehra Abadi locality, which has reportedly become a no‑go area. Residents allege that criminals, including narcotics dealers, have taken refuge there, while police remain hesitant to intervene. Despite being a Capital Development Authority (CDA) sector, enforcement measures have failed to clear the area, raising questions about governance and security.
The NCCIA operation highlights both the growing sophistication of cybercrime networks and the challenges faced by law enforcement in tackling organized fraud. Officials reiterated their commitment to protecting citizens from financial exploitation and urged the public to remain vigilant while using ATM services.
Citizens are advised to safeguard their personal banking information, avoid assistance from strangers at ATM booths, and immediately report suspicious activity to authorities. The successful arrest of the female ringleader marks a significant breakthrough in the fight against financial crime, but the broader issue of criminal safe havens in Islamabad underscores the need for coordinated action between cybercrime investigators, police, and civic authorities.
The NCCIA has vowed to continue its crackdown until all members of the fraud network are apprehended and prosecuted, ensuring justice for victims and restoring public confidence in financial security systems. — DNA
