Over 2 lakh cybercrime complaints filed, 150 FIRs registered

LAHORE:The Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) Cybercrime Wing in City has received over 200,000 complaints, a number that reflects the alarming rise of cybercrime in the region, The News has learnt.

According to reliable sources, these complaints range from harassment and financial fraud to data breaches. However, despite the overwhelming volume, only 4,500 inquiries were initiated, and a mere 150 FIRs were registered after completing the inquiries.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, an official from the Cybercrime Wing stated, ‘Crimes committed with the aid of electronic devices are skyrocketing. Any crime involving a device falls under our jurisdiction, yet we lack the resources to manage this deluge effectively.’

He added that the Cybercrime Wing faces numerous challenges, notably the absence of an independent force to arrest suspects. ‘We rely on local police to make arrests,’ he said, explaining the procedural bottlenecks. Investigating officers (IOs) are also left financially strained, as they are not provided with investigation-related expenses, including travel and fuel costs.

In fact, the wing is still awaiting the release of Rs13 million in investigation funds from the government, further crippling its ability to combat cybercriminals. ‘We have just one locator to track suspects across vast areas like Lahore, Kasur, Sahiwal, Okara, Pakpattan, Sheikhupura, and Nankana Sahib,’ the official revealed.

The lack of resources has significantly hampered progress, with a staggering number of cases unresolved, leaving many victims frustrated. Abdul Sattar, a resident of Sheikhupura, has been one such victim. Speaking to The News, he recounted his ordeal, which began two years ago. ‘I received a call from someone claiming to be a bank official. When I refused to share my details, the caller posed as an FIA officer, coercing me into handing over sensitive information,’ he said. Unfortunately, scammers accessed his bank account and stole Rs1.47 million. Despite his repeated visits to the Cybercrime Wing, no resolution was achieved, and the perpetrators remain at large. As cybercrime continues to evolve, it is clear that the FIA’s Cybercrime Wing faces an uphill battle, unable to keep pace with the growing threats amid limited resources.