Pakistani Agency Withdraws Cryptocurrency Scam Case Against Waqar Zaka

Pakistan's National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has withdrawn a case against television host and social media personality Waqar Zaka, who was accused of running a cryptocurrency scam in 2022.

The NCCIA filed an application to withdraw the case under Section 494 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), citing a lack of evidence. The Judicial Magistrate Gulraiz Memon granted the plea, discharging Zaka from the case.

According to the investigation, allegations against Zaka involved cryptocurrency activities, foreign remittances, and electronic fraud. However, after a thorough examination, the NCCIA found that the transactions in question were conducted through regular banking channels, and no admissible digital forensic evidence existed to support the charges.

The investigating officer, Arfa Saeed, stated that payments for crypto-related courses were voluntary, and no documentary evidence or false representation could substantiate any dishonest intent. The digital forensic examination confirmed only platforms providing cryptocurrency information, mining options, and subscription-based advisory services, without any hacking, data manipulation, or electronic forgery.