Raids on Scam Call Center in Islamabad: 258 Foreign Nationals Arrested

In Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, police raided an illegal scam call center and arrested 258 foreign nationals. Among those detained were 40 Chinese, 170 Vietnamese, and individuals from other countries. According to an official from Pakistan’s federal intelligence agency, the individuals, who had entered on tourist visas, are currently under investigation, and the respective embassies have been informed.

The raid, conducted on Monday, included around 40 Chinese citizens. “They were operating a scam call center in the Gulberg Green residential area located on the outskirts of Islamabad,” the official told AFP. He further added, “They came to Pakistan on tourist visas and were engaged in unauthorized activities.”

The detainees have been placed in Rawalpindi jail. The official stated, “The relevant embassies have been notified, and charges against the detainees will be publicly disclosed in the near future as the investigation continues.” Media reports indicate the arrests took place last week. AFP has reached out to the Chinese Foreign Ministry for comments. A similar raid in July 2025 led to the arrest of 149 individuals, including 71 Chinese nationals.