Islamabad: Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has detained 258 foreign nationals during a raid on an alleged illegal call-centre operation in Islamabad’s Gulberg Greens area. Authorities suspect the facility was being used to run a fake investment scam targeting Pakistani citizens through online platforms.
The operation was carried out at Sparco Plaza, where investigators reportedly discovered a large-scale call-centre setup. According to FIA officials, most of those detained had entered Pakistan on tourist or visitor visas and were allegedly not authorised to conduct the activities being investigated.
41 Chinese among those detained
The 258 detainees include:
- 184 Vietnamese nationals
- 41 Chinese nationals
- 32 Indonesian nationals
- 1 Malaysian national
Following the operation, the detainees were transferred to a temporary detention facility in Rawalpindi. Their respective embassies have also reportedly been informed about the arrests.
How the alleged scam operated
FIA Director General Usman Anwar said investigators believe many of the suspects allegedly used mobile applications and online platforms to approach potential victims.
According to the investigation, some suspects allegedly pretended to be women and developed personal relationships with Pakistani users. After gaining their trust, they allegedly introduced fake business or investment opportunities promising unusually high returns.
Victims were then allegedly persuaded to send money. Investigators say the suspects would subsequently stop communicating with them or disappear after receiving payments.
Authorities described the premises as a substantial call-centre operation, raising suspicions that the alleged fraud may have involved an organised network rather than isolated individuals.
FIA registers case
The FIA’s Anti-Human Trafficking Circle has registered a case in connection with the operation under Section 14 of Pakistan’s Foreigners Act, 1946.
Investigators have also checked the identities and immigration records of the detained individuals through Pakistan’s Integrated Border Management System.
The large number of foreign nationals involved has added another dimension to the investigation, with authorities now examining their individual roles and possible links to the alleged scam network.
Sparco Plaza turned into temporary detention facility
Following the arrests, authorities reportedly designated Sparco Plaza as a temporary sub-jail/lock-up to accommodate the large number of detainees.
The arrangement was made after the authorities faced the practical challenge of holding hundreds of foreign nationals in connection with the investigation.
China calls for international cooperation
The case has also drawn attention from Beijing. China has urged stronger international cooperation against telecom and online fraud following reports that more than 100 Chinese nationals were detained in Pakistan.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said Chinese citizens abroad should obey local laws and avoid illegal activities. He also said China was working toward greater international cooperation against telecom and online fraud.
Investigation continues
The FIA has not yet established the individual culpability of all 258 detainees, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Authorities are examining how the alleged operation was organised, how victims were approached, where the money was transferred and whether additional individuals or networks were involved.
The case highlights the growing international reach of online investment fraud and social-engineering scams, where criminals allegedly use fake identities and promises of easy profits to gain victims’ trust.
Pakistan’s investigation will now determine whether the massive call-centre operation was part of a wider international fraud network and what legal action should be taken against those found responsible.
