Authorities arrest man for online scholarship fraud targeting minors

Pakistan’s National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency has registered a case against a Rawalpindi resident accused of using fake social media accounts to groom, exploit, and blackmail minors.

The action reflects growing concern over online child exploitation and digital crimes targeting vulnerable users. According to officials, the FIR was lodged at the NCCIA Cyber Crime Reporting Centre in Islamabad after a detailed inquiry confirmed serious violations. Investigators revealed that the accused created multiple fake Instagram accounts posing as scholarship programs to attract children and gain their trust.

Once contact was established, the suspect allegedly manipulated at least two minor boys over time. He reportedly coerced them into sharing obscene videos and images and later used the material to blackmail them by threatening public exposure. As the case progressed, authorities found that the accused also attempted to take control of the victims’ Instagram and WhatsApp accounts by requesting verification codes.

Meanwhile, forensic analysis of the seized mobile phone uncovered extensive digital evidence. Investigators recovered hundreds of child sexual abuse material files and identified frequent communication with multiple WhatsApp numbers. Furthermore, records showed the use of an EasyPaisa account allegedly linked to the sharing and possible sale of illegal content, both locally and internationally.

In addition, officials discovered that the accused targeted another minor through a separate fake Instagram profile while impersonating a female. In this instance as well, the suspect successfully obtained explicit material and illegally accessed a WhatsApp account. Digital data obtained from Meta confirmed that the fake accounts were operated using phone numbers connected to the accused and his internet device. Moreover, investigators found that the suspect used a modified mobile phone with an altered IMEI number, which constitutes electronic forgery.