On March 15, 2025, a Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) raid on a fake call center in Islamabad’s Sector F-11 took an unexpected turn, as locals seized the opportunity to loot the facility. The call center, allegedly run by Chinese nationals, was suspected of being involved in international fraud, scamming people across the globe. The FIA had been investigating the operation for a while, and when they raided the center, over two dozen people, including foreign nationals, were arrested. However, some of the suspects managed to escape.
Videos of the Incident Surfaces on Social Media
As the operation unfolded, security measures at the site were poorly coordinated, allowing residents to storm the building. Videos quickly surfaced on social media showing dozens of individuals looting valuable electronic equipment, including laptops, desktops, and monitors. Some even took furniture and cutlery, treating the raid like an open market. One social media user posted a video, captioning it, “Pakistanis have looted a Chinese-run call center in Islamabad; hundreds of laptops and electronic components, along with furniture and cutlery, were stolen during Ramadan.”
The raid, part of an investigation into a fraudulent call center operation, highlighted a major lapse in security. Reports indicate that Pakistani workers were also involved in scamming people from various countries, making the raid a high-profile operation. Despite the arrests, several suspects managed to escape, and the situation quickly escalated into chaos as looters ransacked the facility.
Similar Incidents Reported Before
This incident is not isolated. Public looting has been reported in Pakistan before, including an attack on a mall in Karachi in 2024. The FIA’s operation, meant to curb an international scam, instead turned into a spectacle, with the security breach leading to widespread theft.
Authorities have yet to comment officially on the incident, but the viral videos have sparked discussions about the need for better security protocols during high-risk operations. Meanwhile, the investigation into the fake call center continues as the FIA seeks to identify those involved in the fraud and the looting.
