The federal government has initiated a formal inquiry against former Director General of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), Waqar-ud-Din Syed, over allegations of corruption, misuse of authority, and a substantial increase in declared assets during his tenure.

According to sources familiar with the matter, the action was ordered following directives from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif after allegations supported by eyewitness accounts and recorded statements from subordinate officers were brought to the government’s attention.

An official statement issued by the Establishment Division stated that the charges against the former NCCIA chief include the alleged acceptance of illegal gratification from subordinate officials in exchange for favorable postings and administrative decisions. He is also accused of providing protection to illegal call centers in return for financial benefits and misusing his authority in key operational appointments.

The charge sheet further alleges governance failures during his tenure, which officials claim negatively affected the reputation and functioning of the agency.

One of the major aspects of the inquiry concerns the reported increase in Waqar-ud-Din Syed’s declared assets. According to official records cited in the proceedings, his assets allegedly rose from Rs. 2.460 million in 2002 to Rs. 20.992 million in 2018. Authorities have sought an explanation regarding the growth of these assets in relation to his declared sources of income.

To oversee the investigation, the government has appointed Grade-21 officer Salman Chaudhry as the inquiry officer under the Civil Servants (Efficiency & Discipline) Rules, 2020. The inquiry will examine the allegations and determine whether disciplinary action is warranted.

Meanwhile, Waqar-ud-Din Syed has challenged the departmental proceedings before the Islamabad High Court. He has reportedly questioned the inquiry on technical and procedural grounds and sought legal intervention to halt the investigation.

The case is expected to draw significant attention given its implications for accountability, governance, and oversight within Pakistan’s cybercrime enforcement institutions. The outcome of the inquiry will depend on the findings of the investigation and any subsequent legal proceedings.