Authorities have arrested the alleged ringleader of an international child pornography network in Islamabad after a major investigation.
According to officials, the suspect, identified as Asim Muhammad Qasim, a resident of Lahore’s Ichhra area, was taken into custody by the National Cybercrime Investigation Agency (NCCIA). During questioning, he reportedly admitted to sexually assaulting seven minor girls, including some of his close relatives, and selling explicit videos of the abuse on the dark web for more than ten years.
Investigators said Asim had been involved in these crimes for over 14 years, targeting two young girls from his own family and recording dozens of explicit videos. He allegedly produced more than 50 videos between 2008 and 2022, distributing them through online platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram, and other social media networks.
Authorities recovered substantial digital evidence from his mobile phone, hard drives, and social media accounts. The data revealed his links with foreign associates identified as “Sassi” from Brazil and “Twinkle” from Portugal. Investigators also discovered connections to international groups called “Rainbow” and “My Love Dolly Con”, which were reportedly involved in sharing indecent content worldwide.
Officials said tracing Asim took the NCCIA nearly a year. The first video linked to him surfaced in Singapore, prompting an international probe. Law enforcement agencies from Singapore, Australia, Portugal, and Brazil collaborated with Pakistan to track down and apprehend the suspect.
The arrest was made with assistance from Australian authorities, and a case has been registered against him. Investigators believe more arrests may follow as efforts continue to dismantle the wider network involved in child exploitation.
Authorities said this breakthrough could help uncover and shut down other international child abuse rings operating through the dark web.