ISLAMABAD: The federal government has decided to launch a nationwide crackdown on illegal call centers following reports of alleged cyber fraud, blackmailing and other unlawful activities involving foreign nationals in Pakistan.
According to sources, the government has decided to establish a special task force to take action against illegal call centers operating across the country. The task force will work under the supervision of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) headquarters.
Sources said details of operations against illegal call centers will be submitted to the Ministry of Interior on a daily basis. The move is aimed at improving coordination between government departments and ensuring swift action against centers allegedly involved in criminal activities.
The task force will investigate allegations related to extortion, blackmailing, gambling and online scams, according to sources. Relevant government departments have also been directed to provide full cooperation to the task force during investigations and enforcement operations.
Sources further said that a list of call centers operating in Karachi has already been prepared. Authorities are expected to use the information to identify centers allegedly involved in illegal activities and take action where sufficient evidence is found.
The government’s decision comes days after authorities reportedly arrested 284 foreign nationals during a raid on an illegal call center in Islamabad. The development raised further concerns about the use of call centers for organized cyber fraud and other unlawful activities.
