Tech Desk 
Dec 19, 2025
The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) conducted a large-scale crackdown in Karachi on Thursday, raiding a well-organised Ponzi scheme that was being conducted in the Defence Housing Authority (DHA) area of the city.
The operation was carried out in collaboration with intelligence agencies, law and order agencies, and Ehsaas institutions. The operation targeted areas in DHA Phase 1 and Phase 6 (Khayaban-e-Ittehad) where this suspected group has been operating.
Karachi Ponzi scheme
During the operation, foreign nationals suspected of being involved in the management of the fraud scheme were also arrested.
According to reports, the fraud ring, which was managed by the arrested foreign nationals, has targeted thousands of investors in Pakistan. In which they scam people by seizing their sensitive digital data
According to the NCCIA, the recovered materials are also set to play a major role in future legal battles. The authorities further stated that they have extended the investigation to pursue other suspects, funds, and possible facilitators who belong to the network.
Preliminary findings suggest the suspects were running a classic Ponzi scheme, promising high and fast returns to attract victims. Instead of generating profits through real business activity, funds from new investors were allegedly used to pay earlier participants, creating an illusion of legitimacy.
Authorities said this model resulted in serious financial losses for thousands of people nationwide.
In July 2025, the NCCIA raided a facility in Faisalabad, arresting 149 suspects, including dozens of foreign nationals.
Earlier, in February 2025, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Lahore launched actions against multiple entities involved in large-scale financial fraud.
Officials said further arrests and legal action in the Karachi case are expected as investigations continue into the full scale of the operation.
