FIA transfers its cybercrimes official to HQ on harassment complaint

LAHORE:Following allegations of harassment levelled by a woman, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Islamabad has transferred a deputy director posted here to Islamabad and ‘closed him to Cybercrime Wing (HQ).’

According to documents available with The News, an FIA Deputy Director of Forensics (BPS 18) at FIA Cybercrime Reporting, Lahore, after receiving a letter from the FIA authorities in Lahore that recommended necessary action on the harassment complaint of a woman against him. When contacted, no official was ready to comment on the issue.

On January3, 2024, Aisha Agha Khan, Additional Director of FIA Cybercrime, wrote to Jahanzeb Khan Director Operation Wing Cybercrime Lahore, stating that a woman (M), resident of Lahore, submitted a complaint against a deputy director of Forensics FIA.

The woman alleged that the officer tried to trap her when she came to register a complaint in FIA CCRC Lahore. The woman alleged the deputy directed asked her to meet him at a club. The officer remained in contact with her via WhatsApp, the woman alleged.

The additional director stated that she heard the complainant and examined her complaint, adding the relevant authority may be approached for a proper inquiry since the officer is of BS-18. On January 16, 2024, the same report was forwarded to Islamabad FIA Cybercrimes Wing HQ by Jahanzeb Khan for action. After three months, on April 16, the FIA Islamabad ordered the officer's transfer, closing him to the HQ.

On December 28, 2023, the woman sought assistance from the deputy director after falling victim to blackmail by a person involving private images and data. She alleged that instead of offering support and guidance, he dismissed the woman's concerns and proposed a personal meeting at the club after working hours.

Talking to The News, the deputy director dismissed allegations against him as baseless and added that the woman was planted by his professional rivals to play with his career.

He alleged that the woman was removed from her job from PIA because of her dubious character. He added that the woman travel history could be checked as she went to India for shooting of movies many times. According to the deputy director, he was not heard by his seniors in Lahore.

He alleged that the woman had called him many times to see her in a hotel room but he told her that he has not enough time as after leaving office, he goes to club, and then goes to home. He said that he was pioneer of the Cybercrime since 2007 and a PhD holder. He added that the woman wanted to trap him but he did not give her such chance.