More than 600 child abuse videos recovered as NCCIA arrests suspect and investigates a wider online exploitation network.
Authorities have uncovered a major child exploitation network, arresting a key suspect and recovering more than 600 obscene videos involving children, officials said.
The National Cyber Crimes Investigation Agency (NCCIA) arrested Taimur Mahmood, a resident of Murree, during an operation in Rawalpindi. Investigators say Mahmood allegedly posed as a girl on social media to lure underage boys, later using explicit videos to blackmail them.
Data recovered from his mobile phone revealed the distribution of images and videos of both local and foreign children through multiple WhatsApp groups involving other accomplices. Authorities said the suspect was engaged in ongoing blackmail and extortion, using the material for financial gain.
Cases have been registered against Mahmood and the administrators of the WhatsApp groups under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), while the investigation has been expanded to examine possible links to the dark web. NCCIA officials said further arrests are expected as facilitators and additional suspects are identified.
In a separate case earlier this month, the NCCIA arrested another suspect, Shoaib, during a raid in Islamabad’s PWD area for allegedly circulating obscene videos of a minor. Two mobile phones recovered from his possession reportedly contained additional exploitative content and have been sent for forensic analysis.
Officials said more information is expected to emerge as investigations continue. On January 30, the NCCIA also launched an AI-powered investigative system, Katalyst, aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s ability to detect and combat online child sexual exploitation. The tool was developed in collaboration with the UK-Pakistan Serious Crime and Law Enforcement (UPSCALE) Program, funded by the British High Commission.
Reports are sourced from official documents, law-enforcement updates, and credible investigations.
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