Four men are in custody in Islamabad after federal cybercrime officers alleged they impersonated military officers to drain cash from app-based drivers and couriers.
The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), which investigates online fraud nationwide, says the pattern usually opened with an InDrive booking. The destination sat close to a military hospital, General Headquarters (GHQ) — the army’s main command complex — or another base. Once the trip was under way, a call came in: the speaker claimed commissioned rank and said a relative needed emergency treatment.
How drivers were drawn in
The first information report (FIR) states the group relied on throwaway mobile lines and WhatsApp profiles under invented names, then forwarded forged army service identity documents so the story looked official. Workers were told to push money through branchless banking — instant mobile-wallet payments — for supposed hospital costs, with pledges of repayment and a tip on arrival. After the transfer cleared, the trip or order was cancelled and the callers went silent.
What the FIR and trail show
Filed on 29 October at the NCCIA Cyber Crime Reporting Centre in Islamabad on a complaint by Muhammad Iftikhar, the case names Muhammad Mohsin, Muhammad Bilal and Muhammad Aslam, all tied to Sillanwali tehsil of Sargodha district, together with Syed Zahid Abbass.
Probe teams linked two SIM numbers to a Wateen Telecom internet subscription in Muhammad Aslam’s name. Both lines, the agency said, were logged onto handsets recovered from the accused, and the cash path led to four mobile-wallet accounts.
People familiar with the inquiry said a victim’s complaint allowed officers to map locations and make the arrests. Under questioning, the scale looked larger than first thought: activity allegedly stretched back to 2022, and proceeds went into a home, four shop units, several plots and four cars, including an MG and a Honda City. Those briefed on the file said a conviction can carry imprisonment of up to seven years.
Remand and charges
The suspects appeared before Senior Civil Judge and Judicial Magistrate (Section 30, West) Malak Aman. He gave Investigating Officer Babar Ali a two-day physical-custody order and directed that the men be produced again on Sunday. The matter cites cybercrime legislation plus Pakistan Penal Code clauses on cheating, impersonation and shared intent. The FIR adds that any further role by others will be sorted out as the inquiry continues.
Timeline: what has happened so far
- 2022: Officials say interrogation showed the alleged driver fraud was already under way.
- 29 October: FIR registered at the NCCIA reporting centre in Islamabad after Muhammad Iftikhar’s complaint.
- Following the complaint: Suspects traced and arrested; SIMs and wallet trails examined.
- Court date: Two-day physical remand granted; next production fixed for Sunday.
Aasan alfaaz mein
Islamabad mein char log giraftar hue hain jo khud ko fauji officer bata kar InDrive aur delivery walon se paise mangte the. Woh hospital ya fauji base ke paas ride book karte, fake card bhejte, phir mobile wallet se rakam mangwate. Paisa aate hi ride cancel kar dete. Ab unhen do din police remand mila hai; agar sabit hue to saat saal tak saza ho sakti hai.
