ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has uncovered a disturbing international child exploitation network operating out of Muzaffargarh, allegedly led by a German national, Renz. The operation, which targeted children between the ages of six and ten, was exposed during a joint press conference held by Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry and NCCIA Director General Dr Syed Waqar-ud-din Syed on Tuesday in Islamabad.
The network, using a “children’s club” as a front, lured vulnerable children, many from impoverished families. This club, equipped with high-end cameras, lighting, and recording facilities, was used to exploit the children. Once drawn into the club, the children were paid small amounts of money, only to be blackmailed and coerced into producing explicit videos. These videos were later sold on the dark web for thousands of dollars each day. The German suspect, who had reportedly traveled to Pakistan for 28 days, trained local operators and helped set up the exploitative infrastructure.
In a major breakthrough, the NCCIA conducted a raid on May 23, supported by local police and intelligence agencies, rescuing at least six children. Over 50 children were identified as victims, with authorities registering 178 first information reports (FIRs) related to child exploitation. Of the arrested individuals, two suspects are in custody, while three remain at large. Authorities are working in collaboration with Interpol and German authorities to apprehend the remaining suspects.
Some victims’ parents were also involved, either knowingly or in exchange for money, which has added a layer of tragedy to the situation. Minister Chaudhry expressed his shock, stating that in some instances, even the parents participated in the exploitation.
The operation was initiated based on intelligence shared by the US-based National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) and Interpol. The NCCIA’s 24/7 monitoring system and its partnerships with global organizations played a critical role in tracking and disrupting this international operation. Hundreds of videos recovered from the studio have already been circulated via encrypted apps like WhatsApp and Telegram, and are also being sold on the dark web.
Dr Waqar-ud-din highlighted that this case represents the first time such a large and organized international child abuse network has been disrupted in Pakistan. He added that the country’s membership in Interpol’s global databases has enhanced the speed of investigations and cooperation with international law enforcement.
Minister Chaudhry also emphasized the government’s commitment to combating online child abuse, noting that recent amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) have increased penalties for child exploitation. These offenses now carry a prison sentence of 14 to 20 years, and they are non-bailable and non-compoundable.
The minister called for further strengthening of Pakistan’s cybercrime units and urged civil society and media to join the fight against online child abuse. “This is not just the government’s fight; it is a collective responsibility to protect our children, our future, and our moral values,” he said.
