Pakistan Busts Child Exploitation Network; 600+ Abuse Videos Seized
Authorities said Mahmood allegedly posed as a girl on social media platforms to lure underage boys and later blackmailed them using sexually explicit videos
Rawalpindi: Over 600 child abuse videos were recovered after Pakistani authorities dismantled a major child exploitation network.
According to The Express Tribune, the arrested individual has been identified as Taimur Mahmood, a resident of Murree in Pakistan’s Punjab province. He was taken into custody in Rawalpindi by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA).
Authorities said Mahmood allegedly posed as a girl on social media platforms to lure underage boys and later blackmailed them using sexually explicit videos.
Investigators revealed that data recovered from Mahmood’s mobile phone showed he had been sharing videos and images of children—both local and international—through multiple WhatsApp groups with the help of accomplices, The Express Tribune reported.
Officials added that Mahmood had been continuously blackmailing minors and was also involved in extorting money from victims for various purposes.
A formal case has been registered against Mahmood and the administrators of the WhatsApp groups under Pakistan’s Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA).
Authorities confirmed that the investigation has been expanded to explore potential links between the suspect and dark web networks, according to The Express Tribune.
NCCIA officials said a detailed investigation is underway, with additional arrests expected in the coming days as facilitators are identified.
In a separate operation earlier this month, the NCCIA conducted a raid on January 25 in Islamabad’s PWD area and arrested another suspect, Shoaib, for allegedly circulating obscene content involving a minor, The Express Tribune reported.
Two mobile phones were recovered from his possession, which reportedly contained additional videos featuring children. A case was registered against him under PECA, and investigations into his activities are ongoing.
Authorities said all recovered devices have been sent to forensic laboratories for detailed analysis, and more evidence is expected to emerge.
Highlighting efforts to strengthen law enforcement capabilities, the NCCIA launched an AI-enabled investigative tool on January 30 to improve detection, prioritisation, and investigation of online child sexual exploitation and abuse cases, The Express Tribune reported.
