Pakistani authorities recently raided a suspected phone scam center in Islamabad, arresting over 200 foreigners, including 170 Vietnamese citizens, 40 Chinese citizens, and several individuals from other Southeast Asian countries. The operation, which took place earlier this week, targeted a network suspected of operating fraudulent call centers.
At a press conference on 20/8, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Pham Thu Hang addressed questions regarding the incident. She confirmed, "According to information from the Vietnamese Embassy in Pakistan, Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency and National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency recently detained several Vietnamese citizens on suspicion of residency and labor violations."
The Vietnamese Embassy in Pakistan is actively working with local authorities to verify information, ascertain the identities of those arrested, and implement necessary citizen protection measures. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also directed the Embassy to maintain close coordination with local authorities, monitor the situation, and ensure the security and safety of Vietnamese citizens. Additionally, the Embassy will collaborate with domestic agencies to verify identities and provide ongoing protection for these citizens.
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The building believed to be the site of the phone scam operation, on the outskirts of Islamabad, Pakistan, 17/8. Photo: AFP |
A Pakistani official stated that the arrested individuals operated a phone scam center in Gulberg Green, a residential area on the outskirts of Islamabad. They reportedly entered Pakistan on tourist visas, which do not permit such activities.
This operation follows a similar raid in 7/2025, where 149 people, including 71 foreigners—primarily Chinese citizens—were arrested on charges of working for a phone scam center.
Ngoc Anh
