Gujranwala: A serious corruption case has emerged within the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) in Gujranwala, as the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has registered charges against three of its own officers and several private associates. The allegations include abduction, extortion, bribery and misuse of authority.

Officials confirmed that three government employees are among those taken into custody. The scandal has cast a shadow over the NCCIA, which was created to enforce cyber laws, after reports suggested its officers colluded with outsiders to strike multimillion-rupee deals with suspects in online fraud cases, releasing them in exchange for illegal payments.

The case was filed following intelligence reports and a complaint by local resident Muzammil Iqbal. According to the FIR, Iqbal alleged that on February 2, 2025, men claiming to be FIA officials stormed his home, held his family hostage, seized mobile phones and cash, and subjected male relatives to torture before blindfolding them and locking them in a room.

Iqbal said 15 mobile phones, a laptop, a car, cash and ATM cards were taken. His family was later taken to the FIA Cyber Crime office, where they were interrogated about online business activities and cryptocurrency. He claimed they were forced to pay large sums in cash, cryptocurrency and bank transfers to avoid legal action. Some belongings were returned, but cash and one mobile phone were not recovered.

Another complainant, Salman Raza, alleged that his family was abducted and tortured, with a demand of Rs50 million made. Iqbal added that a “deal” was eventually settled at Rs30 million, of which Rs3 million in cash and Rs1.5 million through bank and ATM transactions were paid before their release.

Following a preliminary inquiry, the FIA registered a case against Cyber Crime Wing officers Mujahid Ali, Shahroz and Allah Yar, along with private accomplices Haji Waqar, Asim Mahmood and Usman Ali. They face charges under the Pakistan Penal Code, anti-corruption laws and the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act.

FIA officials have pledged a transparent investigation, stating that anyone found guilty will face prosecution and departmental action.