A Lahore district court has granted a three-day extension for the physical remand of six National Cyber Crimes Investigation Agency (NCCIA) officers embroiled in a major corruption scandal. The officials face serious allegations of accepting bribes totaling Rs9 million, with authorities recovering Rs42.55 million during investigations.
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) presented the accused officers before the court following their initial three-day custody period. Despite requesting a 14-day extension, the court approved only three additional days, scheduling the next hearing for November 3.
Defense lawyers strongly contested the extension request, arguing insufficient evidence supported the bribery allegations and questioning the necessity of prolonged detention.
High-Profile Case Details
The controversy centers on accusations that NCCIA officers accepted Rs9 million from popular YouTuber Saad Ur Rehman’s (Ducky Bhai) family in exchange for favorable treatment. The case involves nine individuals, including senior cybercrime officials and two sub-inspectors.
Among those facing charges are NCCIA Additional Director Sarfraz Chaudhry, Deputy Directors Zawar Ahmed, Muhammad Usman, and Ayaz Khan, along with Assistant Directors Shoaib Riaz and Mujtaba Zafar. Two sub-inspectors, Ali Raza and Yasir Ramzan, plus civilian Usman Aziz—allegedly acting as a frontman—have also been implicated.
Significant Cash Recoveries
FIA investigators presented detailed findings showing substantial cash seizures from the arrested officials. The largest amount, Rs12.548 million, was recovered from Sarfraz Chaudhry, while Rs7 million came from Ali Raza. Additional recoveries included Rs3.648 million from Shoaib Riaz, Rs1.9 million from Yasir Gujjar, and Rs0.9 million from Zawar Ahmed.
Authorities have launched comprehensive inquiries into assets disproportionate to declared income sources. Investigators are examining financial records and tracing money flows from suspected call centers to the accused officers.
The case highlights growing concerns about corruption within Pakistan’s cybercrime enforcement agencies and abuse of authority for financial gain.
