Former Director General of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), Waqar-ud-Din Syed, is facing a formal government inquiry over allegations of corruption, misuse of authority, and a significant rise in declared assets reportedly increasing by 753% during his service period.
According to an official charge sheet issued by the Establishment Division, Islamabad, the officer’s declared assets increased from Rs. 2.46 million in 2002 to Rs. 20.992 million in 2018, raising questions about the sources of income and financial growth beyond known earnings.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered departmental proceedings, following allegations supported by witness statements and recorded confessions from subordinate officers. Salman Chaudhry, a Grade-21 officer, has been appointed as the inquiry officer to conduct a formal investigation under the Civil Servants (Efficiency & Discipline) Rules, 2020.
The allegations include receiving illegal gratification from subordinate officials in exchange for postings and official favors, providing alleged protection to illegal call centres in return for bribes, and misuse of authority in operational appointments. The charge sheet further claims poor governance during his tenure, which allegedly damaged the agency’s credibility.
In response, Waqar-ud-Din Syed has filed a petition in the Islamabad High Court, challenging the departmental proceedings on technical grounds and seeking a stay on the inquiry.
