ISLAMABAD – A crackdown in uncovered foreigners-run online fraud network, with 258 foreign nationals arrested from Sparco Plaza in Gulberg Greens and authorities now considering their deportation after legal proceedings.
The sweeping FIA operation raised serious questions over the alleged misuse of Pakistani visas, illegal business activities and the operation of a call-center-style setup from a private housing society.
According to investigation officials, more than 100 Chinese nationals were among those present at the premises when the raid was conducted. Investigators allege that a company had been registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) with the assistance of a local individual.
While three floors of the plaza were reportedly being used for apparently legal activities, investigators claim the fourth floor was being used as an illegal call center.
The operation targeted people through gambling platforms, dating applications and social media, with suspects allegedly luring victims into fraudulent schemes before demanding or extracting large sums of money.
Officials further allege that some suspects were operating from Pakistan while targeting people in their own countries through online applications, allegedly using blackmail and fraud to obtain financial benefits. The investigation has also reportedly uncovered websites allegedly created by some of the detained foreigners.
The investigation took another dramatic turn after officials said uniforms resembling those used by law-enforcement agencies in China and Vietnam were recovered from Chinese and Vietnamese nationals. Authorities are investigating why the uniforms were in their possession and how they may have been used.
The arrested suspects were presented before the relevant court through an online hearing, where investigators sought physical remand to further probe the alleged crimes. However, the court rejected the request for physical remand. The suspects were subsequently kept at Sparco Plaza itself after the Islamabad district administration declared the premises a sub-jail.
Authorities say cases have already been registered under the Foreigners Act against 258 foreign nationals arrested in the operation.
The group includes 188 Vietnamese nationals, 39 Chinese nationals and 3 Indonesian nationals. Investigators say the majority had allegedly overstayed their visas, while several were reportedly found without passports or other travel documents.
FIA’s case reveals that its Anti-Human Trafficking Circle had received information from a source about a large number of foreigners allegedly staying in Islamabad. The number was estimated at 200 to 300 individuals, with the source alleging that they were violating visa conditions and engaging in illegal business activities and employment.
When FIA officials raided the Gulberg Greens premises, they reportedly found 258 foreign nationals living there on visit, tourist and business visas.
FIA said the suspects were allegedly living illegally in Pakistan while operating a business in Islamabad, including the alleged call center. Authorities have already registered cases under the Foreigners Act and say additional cases could follow if investigators uncover further evidence.
An investigating officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, said preliminary investigations suggested that some detainees were allegedly involved in fraud and the creation of websites.
Islamabad’s Sparco Plaza turns Jail for Chinese Nationals arrested in FIA Crackdown
