HYDERABAD: FIA Cracks Down on Blackmailing Ring Exploiting Women
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has dismantled a blackmailing network involved in creating and distributing inappropriate videos of women to extort money, ARY News reported.
The prime suspect, Zainul Abideen Shah, was apprehended at a private hotel in Karachi. Shah, a social media worker, allegedly threatened a couple with releasing their private videos online unless they paid a substantial amount.
Investigations revealed the involvement of self-proclaimed journalists and operators of fake newspapers who used unethical content to blackmail victims.
FIA’s lead investigator, Tariq Lashari, uncovered that the suspect had also targeted a woman who had left her phone for repair. Instead of fixing it, the suspect stole personal photos and demanded money, threatening to leak the images online.
The group had previously victimized a female doctor in a similar scheme, prompting FIA’s cybercrime unit to take swift action. During the raid, FIA officials seized the suspect’s mobile phones, which contained incriminating evidence, including photos that had already been shared on social media.
Nationwide Crackdown on Social Media Offenders
On December 11, the FIA launched a large-scale operation targeting social media activists involved in spreading fake propaganda across Pakistan.
According to FIA officials, the Cybercrime Wing in Punjab arrested 26 individuals and registered 66 FIRs across districts, including Lahore. Similarly, Islamabad registered 51 FIRs, Multan reported 14 arrests with over 30 cases, Karachi registered 16 FIRs, Sukkur reported four, Hyderabad registered five, and Quetta filed three FIRs.
In total, the FIA has arrested 30 social media activists nationwide for spreading misinformation and inciting propaganda. Officials stressed the importance of combating fake news to maintain national unity and order.
