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Two men held by Pakistan's NCCIA over alleged illegal online gambling operation

Two suspects have been remanded into the custody of Pakistan's National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency following a raid that uncovered alleged illegal online gambling and betting activity.

1 min read
Pakistan
Key Points
Two suspects remanded in NCCIA custody over alleged illegal online gambling
Devices seized reportedly contained evidence of betting and financial activity
Investigation ongoing to identify accomplices and wider network

A judicial magistrate in Pakistan has remanded two men into the custody of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) for questioning over their alleged involvement in illegal online gambling activities.

Investigation officer Tariq Mehmood produced the suspects – named as Imran Ali and Ajeet Kumar – before the judicial magistrate (East), initially seeking physical remand until 4 May. 

The magistrate granted a one-day remand, with the pair to be produced before the court again shortly after.

According to the First Information Report (FIR), the NCCIA launched an inquiry following a report about suspected illegal online gambling. A subsequent raid was carried out at a flat in Bukhari Commercial, Phase VI, DHA, where the two men were encountered. 

On-the-spot analysis of mobile phones recovered from the suspects reportedly revealed material linked to electronic fraud and illegal gambling and betting activity.

The FIR states that initial technical analysis of the seized devices indicated the suspects were operating both administrator and bettor accounts on an illegal online gambling application called 'Bet Pro'. 

Investigators allege the pair were facilitating betting and casino activity for the wider public via WhatsApp, with multiple bank accounts identified as being used to transfer funds related to bets and winnings.

After being confronted with the evidence, the suspects are said to have admitted their involvement and disclosed the names of alleged accomplices linked to the operation. 

Authorities intend to question them further about their methods and to recover any additional incriminating devices or digital material.

The case reflects a broader pattern of enforcement action against illegal online gambling across multiple jurisdictions. South Korean authorities arrested more than 5,000 people during a year-long cyber gambling crackdown, while Myanmar has repatriated dozens of foreign nationals linked to online crime networks operating near its border with Thailand. 

Good to know

Illegal online gambling operations are often linked to broader financial crimes, including fraud and unregulated money transfers, making them a key focus for cybercrime enforcement agencies

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