Islamabad: The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) arrested four suspected members of a network accused of sexually exploiting children, blackmailing victims and distributing child sexual abuse material to buyers in Pakistan and abroad.
Speaking at a press conference, NCCIA Islamabad Additional Director Muhammad Shoaib Khan said the arrests followed an investigation into approximately 50 to 60 videos suspected of containing child sexual abuse material.
According to the agency, investigators initially detained one suspect, and subsequent inquiries led to three further arrests.
The suspects allegedly targeted children aged between 6 and 14 on social media, including Instagram, by offering gifts, money and other incentives to gain their trust.
Investigators allege that the group subsequently exploited the children, recorded abusive material and used it to blackmail victims.
The material was allegedly distributed via private messaging groups and sold to buyers both domestically and abroad.
Khan said the suspects also pressured some victims into helping them approach other children.
The allegations highlight the risks of online grooming, in which offenders gradually build trust with children before exploiting or coercing them.
The NCCIA official urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant about children's online activities and to recognise potential signs of manipulation and blackmail.
The Islamabad arrests occur amid broader NCCIA investigations into online child exploitation and cybercrime.
