Former Director General of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), Waqar-ud-Din Syed, is under a government inquiry following allegations of corruption, abuse of authority, and a substantial increase in declared assets during his tenure, according to sources familiar with the matter.
An official statement issued by the Establishment Division stated that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed action based on allegations supported by witness testimonies and recorded statements from subordinate officials.
The accusations include claims that the former official received illegal payments from subordinates in exchange for favorable postings and administrative support. He is also alleged to have provided protection to illegal call centers in return for financial benefits and misused his authority in making key operational appointments within the agency.
According to the statement, concerns have also been raised regarding governance and administrative practices during his tenure, which authorities claim negatively affected the agency’s reputation and public confidence.
The inquiry additionally focuses on a significant increase in the officer’s declared assets. Official records cited in the charge sheet indicate that his assets reportedly grew from Rs. 2.460 million in 2002 to Rs. 20.992 million in 2018. Authorities have sought an explanation regarding the source of this increase in accordance with applicable asset declaration requirements.
To investigate the allegations, the government has appointed Grade-21 officer Salman Chaudhry as the inquiry officer under the Civil Servants (Efficiency & Discipline) Rules, 2020.
Meanwhile, Waqar-ud-Din Syed has challenged the departmental inquiry before the Islamabad High Court. He has reportedly questioned the proceedings on legal and procedural grounds and requested the court to suspend the inquiry process.
The matter remains under investigation, and no final determination has yet been made regarding the allegations.
