Ex-Fesco chairman denies involvement in online scam

FAISALABAD: Malik Tahseen Awan, former chairman of Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (Fesco) and the alleged mastermind behind a large cyber fraud network, claimed on Sunday that he had no involvement in the online scam uncovered by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA).

In a video statement released to the media, Awan stated that the property in question, where 71 foreign nationals and 78 locals were arrested during a raid by the NCCIA, had been rented out in April to a Chinese company. According to him, the agreement was reached to establish an IT house, an electric three-wheeler rickshaw assembly unit, and a plastic bag manufacturing unit. He added that the police were informed about the presence of foreign nationals at the site and had even provided security.

Awan declared that he intends to fully cooperate with the investigation and has decided to seek pre-arrest bail from the court, promising to provide all required information to the authorities.

Furthermore, he appeared before Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Iqbal and filed bail applications in seven separate first information reports (FIRs) registered by the NCCIA on Saturday. The court approved his pre-arrest bail until July 19.

The NCCIA had raided Awan’s dera (estate) and adjoining factory, arresting 149 individuals including 71 foreign nationals for running a sophisticated online fraud operation. All seven FIRs fall under various sections of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) 2016 and the Pakistan Penal Code.

In a separate development, the property used in the cybercrime operation has been officially sealed following court orders obtained by the NCCIA and legal proceedings regarding the property are ongoing.