Scam call center crackdown is in full swing across Pakistan after mounting pressure from the United States to shut down cybercriminal operations posing global threats. The Pakistani government has launched Operation Grey, a nationwide initiative to dismantle illegal call centers and fraudulent software houses deeply embedded in the local tech scene.
Insider sources confirm that the U.S. has urged Pakistan to tighten its cybercrime laws and improve enforcement through the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA). The crackdown has led to 63 raids in major cities, arresting 195 Pakistani and 255 foreign nationals, and uncovering scams worth over Rs. 720 million. Yet, authorities have recovered just over Rs. 40 million—showing how hard it is to trace digital financial crimes.
In Islamabad, 193 arrests were made in 17 raids, mostly of foreign nationals. Karachi, seen as a hub of fraudulent software operations, saw 19 raids but no financial recovery, exposing flaws in tracking digital funds. Faisalabad and Rawalpindi reported fewer raids but notable arrests and recoveries.
Many of these so-called “software houses” have been accused of running global scams involving ghostwriting, fake publishing, money laundering, and even drug trafficking. Victims are mostly in the U.S., UK, and Canada, losing thousands of dollars each.
The crackdown comes as the U.S. prepares possible legal action against a major Karachi-based company accused of operating criminal services internationally. If left unchecked, such operations could lead to FATF scrutiny, international banking restrictions, and a growing distrust in Pakistan’s IT industry.
With international pressure high and reputational risks growing, experts say Pakistan must ensure transparency and consistent enforcement to end this threat for good.
