On 18 December 2025: several foreign nationals were arrested in the Defence Housing Authority DHA area of Karachi for allegedly operating a large scale Ponzi scheme Authorities carried out raids in DHA Phase 6 following intelligence about financial fraud. The suspects were taken into custody by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency NCCIA in coordination with local law enforcement. The operation targeted high end residences where the suspects reportedly conducted their fraudulent activities. The arrests have drawn widespread public attention because of the scale of the alleged scheme and involvement of foreign nationals.
Operation Conducted by Cyber Crime Authorities
The raid was led by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency NCCIA supported by other law enforcement bodies Officers conducted intelligence based operations after monitoring suspicious financial activities for several weeks Residential and office premises linked to the suspects were raided during the operation Law enforcement ensured that evidence could not be destroyed or removed. The operation is part of an ongoing crackdown on cyber enabled financial crimes in Karachi.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Operation | 18 December 2025 |
| Primary Location | DHA Phase 6 Karachi |
| Enforcement Agency | National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency NCCIA |
| Nature of Crime | Cyber Financial Fraud Ponzi Scheme |
| Arrests Made | Several Foreign Nationals and Local Collaborators |
| How the Fraud Worked | Investors promised high returns old investors paid using new investors funds |
| Evidence Seized | Laptops networking equipment sensitive digital data |
| Investigation Status | Forensic analysis ongoing tracing of bank accounts and digital wallets |
Allegations of a Large Scale Ponzi Scheme
Authorities allege that the suspects lured investors with promises of unusually high returns Money collected from new investors was reportedly used to pay earlier investors No genuine business activity was found to support the promised profits Experts say such schemes collapse when new investments stop resulting in significant losses for investors Officials have described the case as a major financial fraud operation targeting numerous individuals The scheme demonstrates typical characteristics of a Ponzi scheme including misleading marketing and circular payments.
Recovery of Digital and Financial Evidence
During the raids law enforcement agencies recovered laptops networking equipment mobile phones and other digital devices Officials confirmed that sensitive financial data and records were seized. The recovered evidence is now under forensic analysis to trace money flows and identify possible accomplices Investigators are also working to determine the total volume of funds involved. The evidence is expected to play a key role in the prosecution and further investigation of the case.
Investigation Still Underway
Authorities have stated that the investigation is ongoing and additional arrests may occur The names nationalities and the total number of victims or amount defrauded have not been officially released Law enforcement and financial regulators are working together to identify the full network Officials assured that all actions are being carried out according to legal procedures. The public will be updated as verified information becomes available.
Public Advisory and Official Warning
Following the arrests authorities warned the public to avoid investment schemes promising guaranteed or unusually high returns Citizens were urged to verify the legitimacy of any financial opportunity before committing funds Victims of suspected fraud are encouraged to report cases promptly. The NCCIA reaffirmed its commitment to combat cyber enabled financial crimes This incident highlights the importance of caution when dealing with unregulated investment schemes.