Foreign Nationals Arrested in Pakistan for Multi-Million Rupee Fake Gold App Fraud

Authorities in Islamabad have uncovered a major online investment fraud scheme involving the fraudulent applications 'Gold Box' and 'GLBX.' The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) arrested three foreign nationals and one female suspect, alleging they collected over Rs. 134 million from 270 victims. The case was presented at the District and Sessions Court in Islamabad, where the NCCIA initially requested a 30-day physical remand for further investigation. However, Duty Judge Naeema Iffat granted a three-day remand, directing investigators to produce the suspects again upon its completion. Investigators reported that the fraud network operated out of Islamabad’s Blue Area and that significant recoveries, including cash and digital devices, are still pending. One complainant, Muhammad Ayaz Khan, allegedly lost more than Rs. 54.1 million. The case has been registered under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) along with various cheating and fraud provisions. Authorities are currently tracing financial transactions to identify additional individuals linked to the network. This incident highlights the growing threat of digital financial scams targeting citizens through fake investment platforms.