According to the sources of Daily Notable, The Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) Cybercrime Wing in Lahore is grappling with an unprecedented surge in cybercrime, having received over 1,50,000 complaints, The News has learnt. This deluge of cases highlights the growing vulnerability of citizens to online threats ranging from harassment and financial fraud to data breaches.
Sources within the FIA reveal that, despite the large volume of complaints, only 4,500 inquiries have been initiated. Out of these, a mere 160 First Information Reports (FIRs) were filed, underscoring the significant gap between complaints lodged and actions taken.
An official from the Cybercrime Wing, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the current situation as dire. “Cybercrime has exploded, with criminals leveraging digital devices to commit various offenses. Unfortunately, our department lacks the resources to keep up with this onslaught,” he said. “Any crime committed with the help of a device falls under our domain, but we’re struggling with limited manpower and technology.”
One of the biggest challenges, the official explained, is the absence of an independent force to arrest suspects. “We have to rely on local police to carry out arrests, which adds layers of complexity and delays to our investigations,” he noted. In addition, investigating officers (IOs) are often asked to travel to different districts under the Cybercrime Wing’s jurisdiction—spanning Lahore, Kasur, Sahiwal, Okara, Pakpattan, Sheikhupura, and Nankana Sahib—without being reimbursed for basic travel and investigation expenses.
“The government owes the Cybercrime Wing Rs13 million in investigation funds, which have yet to be released. Investigating officers are paying out of their own pockets for travel and fuel costs. It’s unsustainable,” the official said, highlighting the financial constraints that have crippled the agency’s operations.
Technological limitations also hamper the FIA’s effectiveness in tracking cybercriminals. “We have only one locator to pinpoint the location of suspects across multiple districts. How can we tackle this rising wave of cybercrime with just one piece of equipment?” the official asked rhetorically.
As a result of these shortcomings, countless victims are left in limbo. One such victim, Abdul Sattar, a resident of Sheikhupura, shared his story with The News. Two years ago, Sattar fell prey to a phone scam. “I received a call from someone claiming to be a representative of Allied Bank’s head office in Karachi. When I refused to share my personal details, the caller switched tactics and posed as an FIA official, intimidating me into revealing my bank account information,” Sattar recalled. Within hours, the scammers drained Rs1.47 million from his account.
Despite filing a complaint with the Cybercrime Wing, Sattar has yet to see any progress in his case. “I’ve been visiting their office for two years, but no one has been arrested, and my money is still gone,” he said.
The surge in cybercrime reflects broader trends in the digitalization of criminal activity. However, without significant upgrades in resources, technology, and funding, the FIA’s Cybercrime Wing may continue to struggle in its battle against this rapidly evolving threat.
The situation raises urgent questions about the government’s commitment to tackling cybercrime in an era where digital threats are becoming as dangerous as physical crimes. – PUNA
