FIA officer Sarfraz Chaudhary has become the focus of a major inquiry following a series of serious allegations involving misconduct, abuse of authority, and corruption within Pakistan’s National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA).
The controversy gained national attention after YouTuber Saad ur Rehman, known as Ducky Bhai, accused several officers of mistreatment during custody. These claims have placed Chaudhary, a former additional director of the NCCIA Lahore office, under intense scrutiny.
Want to read Ducky Bhai’s full account of his last 100 days in custody here.
Former Cybercrime Lead Officer Now Facing Heavy Allegations
Sarfraz was widely known for leading high-profile operations targeting online gambling promotion and cybercrime activities. His crackdown included actions against several Pakistani influencers, including the arrest of Rehman in August at Lahore Airport. The operation drew significant public interest, positioning Chaudhary as one of the most visible figures within the cybercrime unit.
However, his role has now shifted from investigator to accused. In September 2025, he was removed from his position in the Lahore office amid rising controversy. Although he publicly denied reports of suspension, stating he had been transferred to NCCIA headquarters and had applied for leave, the timing of the move raised questions.
Arrests Ordered as FIA Anti-Corruption Launches Inquiry
The situation escalated in late October when the FIA Anti-Corruption Circle arrested six NCCIA officials, including Chaudhary. They were remanded on charges of bribery, misuse of authority, and corrupt practices. The FIR was filed by Rehman’s wife, who accused the officials of coercion and financial extortion during her husband’s detention.
The arrested group included Additional Director Sarfraz Chaudhary, In-charge Zawar, Sub-Inspector Ali Raza, Assistant Director Shoaib Riaz, Yasir Gujjar, and Mujtaba Kamran.
According to the investigating lawyer, the officers will present their defense in district court, where they aim to contest the allegations.
Ducky Bhai’s Testimony Brings Chaudhary Under Spotlight
Although the inquiry is broader, the claims made by Rehman have placed Chaudhary at the centre of public attention. In an hour-long video statement, Rehman alleged that he was verbally abused and slapped multiple times by Chaudhary during interrogation. He said the officer accused him of misleading youth and questioned the legitimacy of his earnings.
Rehman added that the treatment left him distressed, and he felt intimidated throughout the interaction. These claims sparked widespread debate about possible misconduct within NCCIA custody procedures.
Allegations of Bribery and Forced Financial Transactions
Rehman also made financial corruption allegations that became a key part of the FIR. He claimed NCCIA officials attempted to settle his case for Rs70–80 million, a sum he said he could not pay.
More seriously, he alleged that an investigating officer forced him to access his Binance account, closed his active trades, and converted assets into US dollars. He claimed the funds were then moved to a personal account belonging to the officer.
While Chaudhary was not directly named in these specific allegations, his leadership position during the period has drawn further scrutiny.
NCCIA Denies Institutional Wrongdoing
In response to the growing controversy, an NCCIA spokesperson issued a statement distancing the institution from the actions of individual officers. The spokesperson emphasized that NCCIA maintains a zero-tolerance policy for corruption and any misconduct would be handled through proper legal channels.
They confirmed that an internal investigation, supported by FIA Anti-Corruption, is already underway. Officials assured that the inquiry would proceed according to law and without influence.
Past Record Adds to Public Debate
Public interest in the case increased when older reports resurfaced, noting that Sarfraz Chaudhry had been dismissed from the FIA in 2012 over alleged poor performance. It remains unclear whether this refers to the same individual, but the resurfacing of the report has added another layer to the discussion.
Supporters of Chaudhary argue that previous actions demonstrate his commitment to controlling online criminal activity. Critics counter that consistent controversies suggest deeper issues in internal conduct and oversight.
A Test Case for Accountability in Cybercrime Units
This inquiry has become a key moment for Pakistan’s cybercrime enforcement agencies. Digital rights groups, legal analysts, and the general public are closely watching the case. Many insist that the investigation must remain transparent and impartial due to the seriousness of the allegations.
For now, Sarfraz Chaudhary and the other accused officials remain under investigation. The outcome will likely influence future reforms within the NCCIA and shape public confidence in cybercrime enforcement.
