The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has arrested a man in Islamabad over allegations that he recorded and sold sexually abusive videos involving his own children. Authorities say the case is linked to a wider network that allegedly used the messaging platform Telegram to distribute abusive material involving children.
The details were shared by NCCIA Additional Director Muhammad Shoaib Khan during a press conference in Islamabad. According to the official, the suspect belongs to Skardu and allegedly sold videos involving his children, who were between five and six years old.
The case has raised serious concerns about online child exploitation and the use of digital platforms to distribute illegal material. Investigators are continuing their work to identify other people who may be connected to the network.
Investigation Uncovers Wider Online Network
According to Shoaib Khan, the network allegedly targeted children ranging in age from around six or seven to 15 years. Investigators found that Telegram was being used to sell the abusive videos.
The official also said the investigation uncovered evidence of videos involving animal abuse and sexual violence against animals linked to the network.
Authorities have not disclosed the full extent of the suspected operation or the number of people who may be involved. Further inquiries are underway to establish the circumstances of the case and identify any additional suspects.
The allegations remain subject to the legal process, and the arrested man will be dealt with under the applicable law.
Month-Long Investigation Involved International Assistance
Shoaib Khan said the investigation continued for approximately one month and involved assistance from international organisations.
The case has also led to further inquiries in Multan, Islamabad and parts of southern Punjab. These investigations are intended to establish whether other individuals or locations are connected to the suspected network.
Cross-border cooperation can be important in cybercrime cases involving online platforms because digital evidence, accounts and suspected offenders may be connected to different locations.
Authorities have not provided further details about the international organisations involved or the specific methods used to trace the alleged activity.
NCCIA Plans Awareness for Parents
The NCCIA official said authorities would educate parents about monitoring the content their children access through mobile phones.
The planned awareness efforts aim to help families understand online risks and identify potentially harmful digital activity. Parents are expected to play a role in protecting children by maintaining age-appropriate supervision and encouraging them to report uncomfortable or suspicious online interactions.
Khan also said action could be taken against parents who become aware of their children’s involvement in criminal activities but fail to report it. Any such action would depend on the applicable law and the circumstances established by investigators.
Protecting Children From Online Exploitation
The case highlights the importance of protecting children from online abuse and exploitation. Parents and guardians should remain alert to suspicious online contacts, requests for private images and attempts by others to pressure children into sharing personal information.
Children should be encouraged to speak to a trusted adult if someone makes them uncomfortable online. Families should also use appropriate privacy settings and parental controls while respecting children’s safety and age-related needs.
Anyone who encounters suspected child sexual abuse material should avoid downloading, saving or forwarding it. Such material should be reported to the relevant authorities so that trained investigators can handle the evidence.
The NCCIA investigation remains ongoing, with inquiries continuing in several areas. Authorities are working to establish the full scope of the alleged network and determine whether further legal action is required.
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