NCCIA Skardu Cybercrime Case: Shocking Network Exposed | Shyoktimes
NCCIA Skardu Cybercrime Case: Alleged Online Child Abuse Network Uncovered
ISLAMABAD / SKARDU: The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has claimed to have uncovered an alleged online network involved in producing, circulating and selling child sexual abuse material, with an alleged key suspect linked to Skardu in Gilgit-Baltistan.
NCCIA Islamabad Zone Additional Director Muhammad Shoaib Khan disclosed the case at a press conference on Sunday, October 25, saying investigators had traced a network that allegedly traded abusive videos through private groups on the Telegram messaging platform in exchange for cryptocurrency.
According to the official, a father was arrested on allegations that he had produced videos involving his own young children and sold the material online. The allegations are under investigation, and the accused's guilt must be established through legal proceedings.
NCCIA Skardu Cybercrime Case: What Officials Say
Khan said the investigation began with information about the alleged production and circulation of abusive material involving young children. Investigators reportedly spent about a month tracing the network and examining digital evidence.
The children involved were reported to be approximately four to six years old, although published accounts differed on their exact ages. Authorities have not publicly disclosed their identities, a necessary safeguard for the privacy and protection of minors.
این سی سی آئی اے اسلام آباد کی کارروائی، چائلڈ پورنوگرافی میں ملوث نیٹ ورک گرفتار۔
— NCCIA (@NCCIAOFFICIAL) October 25, 2026
ایڈیشنل ڈائریکٹر نیشنل سائبر کرائم انویسٹیگیشن ایجنسی (NCCIA) اسلام آباد شعیب خان کی پریس کانفرنس#NCCIA #CyberCrime #ChildProtection pic.twitter.com/JlyNsoYDz3
The official said the alleged network extended beyond a single location. Investigators had identified links in Islamabad, Multan and parts of southern Punjab, while further inquiries were under way to identify other suspected facilitators.
Khan also alleged that the investigation uncovered evidence of animal abuse associated with the production of some videos. He provided limited details, citing the ongoing investigation and the need to protect those involved.
The agency said cooperation with international partners had assisted the investigation. Further action is expected to depend on the examination of digital evidence and the identification of additional suspects.
Separate Cases Highlight Online Child Exploitation
During the briefing, the NCCIA official also described a separate investigation involving suspects accused of approaching children through Instagram, offering money and exploiting them to produce abusive videos. According to Khan, material recovered during that investigation helped authorities examine the alleged network's activities.
The briefing also covered a separate online harassment and blackmail case involving a young female victim. The official said coordination between regional teams helped investigators trace and arrest a suspect. The cases underline the risks posed by online grooming, coercion and the misuse of private images.
Separately, the NCCIA's Karachi Zone reportedly detained 42 people in a case involving three companies suspected of producing and selling unlawful animated sexual content. Officials said 13 people had been formally arrested and remanded into custody. This investigation is distinct from the case linked to Skardu.
Child Online Safety Remains a Serious Concern
The case comes amid growing concern about online sexual exploitation and abuse involving children in Pakistan.
A UNICEF report released in September 2026 estimated that approximately 1.5 million internet-using children aged 12–17 in Pakistan experienced at least one form of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse during a single year. The findings highlight the importance of prevention, accessible reporting channels and effective support for victims.
Children may be targeted through social media, messaging applications, online games and other digital platforms. Offenders can exploit trust, offer money or gifts, threaten victims, or use private material for blackmail.
Parents and caregivers can help reduce these risks by maintaining open conversations about online experiences, reviewing privacy settings together and teaching children never to share intimate images or personal information with strangers. Children who disclose abuse should be listened to calmly and supported without blame.
How to Report Online Abuse in Pakistan
The NCCIA has urged victims and families to report suspected cybercrime rather than remain silent. Its official complaint portal is available at complaint.nccia.gov.pk, and the agency lists 1799 as its helpline.
People should preserve relevant messages, account details, URLs and other evidence when safe to do so. They should avoid forwarding or reposting abusive material, which can further harm victims and potentially expose others to illegal content.
Anyone who encounters suspected child sexual abuse material should report it to the appropriate authorities and should not download, circulate or attempt to trade it. In situations involving immediate danger to a child, prompt contact with local law enforcement or child-protection services is essential.
The investigation into the alleged network linked to Skardu remains a reminder that online child protection requires coordinated law enforcement, responsible platform practices, public awareness and support for victims. Any further conclusions about individual responsibility should be based on verified evidence and due legal process.
External Resources (DoFollow):
Follow more on The News: Father used own children for pornographic videos: NCCIA
Read further at Islamabad Post: NCCIA traces child abuse video network
Keep reading via DAWN: NCCIA says child pornography network busted
