NCCIA Lahore additional director transferred after action against YouTubers

Additional Director of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Sarfraz Chaudhry has been transferred from Lahore to the agency’s headquarters in Islamabad reportedly over a series of controversies.

Chaudhry confirmed the move and said that he had also applied for six months’ leave, an English newspaper reported. He said that the task he had taken up would be carried forward by his successor.

"However, to those involved in trolling me on social media, I will respond at an appropriate time,” he was quoted as saying.

In recent weeks, Chaudhry’s name has been linked to three separate controversies. One involved action against several YouTubers and social media influencers, including Saadur Rehman — widely known as Ducky Bhai — and Rajab Butt, over alleged involvement in promotion of gambling applications.

Also Read: Chats relating to promotion of gambling apps found on Ducky Bhai's phone: NCCIA

Another controversy centered on the registration of a case against a group of lawyers who were accused of attempting to secure the release of a suspect from NCCIA custody. One of the lawyers claimed the suspect had been detained unlawfully and said a court-appointed bailiff had visited the NCCIA Lahore office to secure his release.

The third matter concerned a dispute between a group of Lahore-based journalists and a senior police official, in which the journalists approached the NCCIA to take action against the officer and other police personnel.

Citing official sources, the report said the transfer was made after several complaints were filed against Chaudhry.