KARACHI: The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has issued a warning about an increase in the hacking of WhatsApp Business accounts, advising users to be cautious in light of growing cybercrime incidents. The agency's Karachi Zone Deputy Director, Shehzad Akbar, revealed at a press conference that 39 accounts on platforms such as WhatsApp and Instagram have been recovered in the past 15 days.

According to Union of Small and Medium Enterprises, the NCCIA has also blocked 95 accounts implicated in financial fraud. In addition, action has been taken against 38 accounts accused of harassing women through fake identities. Akbar emphasized the importance of vigilance, particularly for those using WhatsApp Business accounts, which have been increasingly targeted by hackers.

In another development, the agency conducted a raid following a tip-off, uncovering a network allegedly involved in child exploitation and the production of pornographic material. Akbar stated that individuals from Germany and the United Kingdom were allegedly part of this operation, with children being offered monetary incentives to participate in exploitative activities. Authorities have arrested 42 suspects, including 12 minors, in connection with the network. A suspect identified as Fida was named as a key figure, allegedly running three companies involved in the operation.

Akbar noted that similar exploitation networks exist globally and referenced previous investigations in Karachi, including those involving minors and online revenge cases.