Shocking details expose Rs120 million bribe collection between 2024 and 2025.
What Happened?
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Anti-Corruption Circle Islamabad on Thursday arrested NCCIA Deputy Director Salman Awan Alvi and Sub-Inspector Sarim Ali in connection with the Chinese call centre mega-corruption scandal. Both suspects were taken into custody immediately after the court cancelled their pre-arrest bail.
The court also dismissed the bail request of their alleged frontman, Tahir Mohiuddin, who failed to appear before the Special Judge Central.
Where the Corruption Originated
Investigations reveal that between September 2024 and April 2025, 15 illegal Chinese-run call centres in Rawalpindi were operating by paying Rs15 million monthly in bribes to NCCIA officials through a network of frontmen and intermediaries.
A total of Rs120 million was allegedly collected during this period.
Who Was Involved?
According to FIA records, the bribery network included:
- Additional Director Shehzad Haider and his team, who allegedly collected payments via frontman Hassan Ameer.
- Deputy Director Nadeem Khan, SI Sarim Ali, and Deputy Director Salman Awan—posted in Rawalpindi in May 2025 under Additional Director Aamir Nazir.
- SI Bilal, who fixed monthly bribes for new call centres at Rs800,000.
- Officials from Islamabad’s F-11 Police Station, including SHO Mian Irfan, who allegedly negotiated a Rs40 million settlement during a raid.
How Bribes and Extortion Took Place
Payments from Chinese Nationals
During a raid in Rawalpindi, FIA detained 14 Chinese nationals. SI Sarim Ali, through his frontman Mohiuddin, allegedly demanded:
- Rs8 million from the wife of a Chinese citizen named Kelvin for his release
- Rs12 million for the release of the remaining 13 detainees
A total of Rs21 million collected from this raid was reportedly distributed among officials involved.
Alleged Violence & Coercion
Sarim is also accused of:
- Torturing a citizen named Areeba’s husband
- Sending her the video
- Demanding Rs1 million to complete “legal formalities”
Why Officials Were Arrested
With mounting evidence and recorded transactions, the court rejected the pre-arrest bail of Deputy Director Salman Awan and SI Sarim Ali, leading to their on-spot arrest by FIA officials outside the courtroom.
Investigations show money distribution as follows:
- Sarim Ali: Rs1.7 million
- Usman Basharat: Rs1.4 million
- Zaheer Abbas: Rs1 million
- Nadeem Khan: Rs9.5 million
- Additional Director Aamir Nazir: Rs7 million
- Nadeem personally retained: Rs2.7 million
What This Scandal Reveals About Pakistan’s Cybercrime Governance
1. What Are the Structural Weaknesses?
The case exposes deep-rooted vulnerabilities within cybercrime and anti-human trafficking units. Officials tasked with enforcing the law were themselves facilitating illegal activities for financial gain.
2. Why Did the System Fail?
A lack of oversight and internal accountability allowed officers to:
- Run parallel “deal-making” networks
- Conduct staged raids
- Negotiate payments for freedom
- Exploit foreign nationals
This indicates institutional capture at multiple levels.
3. How Did Illegal Call Centres Thrive?
Despite multiple raids, illegal Chinese call centres in Rawalpindi continued operating because:
- Monthly bribes guaranteed protection
- Raids were turned into money-making opportunities
- Frontmen ensured payments flowed smoothly
4. Where Accountability Must Tighten
The scandal highlights the urgent need for:
- Strengthened internal monitoring
- Independent oversight bodies
- Technology-driven auditing
- Transparent handling of foreign detainees
A restructured NCCIA free of compromised officers