FIA arrests 8 over manipulated images of Punjab CM

LAHORE: The Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) Cybercrime Circle has arrested eight individuals accused of sharing manipulated images of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

Officials reveal that the suspects are affiliated with a political party, with content from Shehbaz Gill and Imran Riaz discovered on their mobile phones.

Additional Director Sarfraz Chaudhry and Assistant Director Zawar Hussain provided details about the investigation in a presser on Thursday. They announced the formation of a joint task force to take action against those disseminating altered images of the Punjab CM and the UAE president.

The FIA officials said the images had been shared on social media platforms from countries, including the United States. Sarfraz Chaudhry said that eight cases had been registered, and all suspects were apprehended.

Content recovered from the suspects’ devices included posts from Shehbaz Gill and Imran Riaz, which the accused had been sharing. While the suspects expressed remorse, officials underscored the erosion of societal values and respect for women on social media platforms. Efforts are underway to trace the servers used in foreign locations, and individuals involved will face prosecution regardless of their whereabouts. Arrests abroad will be coordinated if necessary. The officials also disclosed that the suspects’ profiles indicate political motivations.

Three suspects were presented to the media by the joint task force.

Three arrests were made in Lahore, while additional apprehensions occurred in other districts. The FIA plans to block the suspects’ passports and national ID cards and seek Interpol’s assistance to apprehend absconders, including prominent figures like Shehbaz Gill.

The officials reaffirmed their commitment to combating digital crimes, extending their efforts to fake IDs on Facebook, deepfakes, and content inciting disinformation. Liking, sharing, or resharing such content will result in criminal charges under cybercrime laws.

In addition, the FIA is actively pursuing financial fraud cases.

In 2024 alone, millions were recovered, including refunds for victims in 2021. The agency remains vigilant in tackling international scams, such as the sale of counterfeit phone numbers.

The ongoing campaign against cybercrime will intensify, ensuring swift action against those spreading fake content or threatening national security.