Pakistani cybercrime authorities arrest Lahore resident Asim Muhammad Qasim, a key suspect in an international child exploitation network, after a year-long probe with Interpol and Australian police. Over 50 digital files seized as investigation widens.
Authorities in Pakistan have arrested a Lahore resident believed to be a key suspect in an international child exploitation and pornography network, uncovering disturbing evidence of long-term abuse and online distribution of illegal material.
According to officials from the National Cybercrime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), the suspect — identified as Asim Muhammad Qasim, a resident of Ichhra, Lahore — was taken into custody in Islamabad following a year-long joint operation supported by Interpol and Australian police.
Suspect’s Confession and Network Links
During interrogation, the suspect allegedly admitted to producing and selling explicit material involving minors over a period of several years.
Investigators said that digital evidence recovered from his mobile phones, social-media accounts, and hard drives confirmed the existence of an organized network with international links.
Sources said the suspect was connected with online groups operating under the names “Rainbow” and “My Love Dolly Con”, which reportedly exchanged and sold such content through encrypted platforms including WhatsApp and Telegram.
Preliminary findings suggest that the suspect had international contacts using aliases such as “Sassi” (Brazil) and “Twinkle” (Portugal). Several of the videos had already been flagged and reported to global monitoring bodies by international law-enforcement agencies.
Investigation Origin and Arrest
Officials said the case first surfaced in Singapore, where NCCIA technical assistant Anees-ur-Rehman discovered an initial video linked to the suspect. A coordinated effort involving agencies in Singapore, Australia, Portugal, and Brazil helped trace the digital trail back to Pakistan.
After months of surveillance and forensic analysis, the NCCIA arrested Qasim and recovered more than 50 digital files containing prohibited material. Authorities are now verifying the identities of other possible victims and collaborators.
Further Action Expected
Investigators described the suspect as “highly skilled in concealing digital footprints,” which made the operation lengthy and complex. Officials confirmed that more arrests are expected as international coordination continues.
Law-enforcement agencies have reiterated that Pakistan is committed to combating online child exploitation, and that collaboration with Interpol and partner countries will continue to dismantle similar global networks.
