Pakistan Busts Major Scam Call Centre, Detains 258 Foreign Nationals

Pakistan authorities have detained 258 foreign nationals following a raid on an alleged scam call centre in Islamabad, officials said on Monday. The operation was conducted in Gulberg Green, a housing society on the outskirts of the Pakistani capital, as authorities investigated alleged illegal activities being carried out from the premises.

Among those detained are 40 Chinese nationals and 170 Vietnamese citizens. Authorities also reported that nationals from Malaysia and other Asian countries were among those taken into custody. The detainees are currently being held at a jail in Rawalpindi as the investigation continues.

An official from Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency told AFP that the foreigners had entered the country on tourist visas and were allegedly operating a scam call centre despite not being permitted to conduct such activities. Authorities are examining the nature of the operation and the specific allegations against those detained.

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The official said the relevant foreign embassies had been informed about the detentions. Further details regarding the allegations are expected to be released as investigators gather more information. Deportation is among the possible outcomes for individuals found to have violated Pakistani laws or immigration regulations.

Media reports indicated that the foreigners were detained last week, although Pakistani authorities formally disclosed the operation on Monday. The Chinese nationals' detention is likely to attract particular attention, with AFP seeking a response from China's foreign ministry regarding the matter.

The raid is not the first such operation in Pakistan. A similar crackdown in July 2025 resulted in the arrest of 149 people, including 71 foreigners, most of whom were Chinese nationals. The latest action highlights continued scrutiny by Pakistani authorities of foreign-operated call centres suspected of involvement in fraudulent activities.

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