Mohammad Rizwan has received a second notice from the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency, directing him to appear in person on October 2 in connection with an inquiry into alleged online betting and gambling activities, sources told Geo Super on Wednesday.
Forensic examination of seized phone
According to the notice, a copy of which is available with Geo Super, the NCCIA has asked for Rizwan’s cooperation in the forensic examination and analysis of the mobile phone seized from the wicketkeeper-batter.
The agency directed the 34-year-old to appear at 3pm local time on Friday, October 2. The notice states that non-appearance would be treated as the player having nothing to present in his defence.
Rizwan to appear with his lawyer
Sources close to Rizwan said the former Pakistan white-ball captain will appear before the agency alongside his lawyer at the appointed time.
The same sources said the second notice did not answer Rizwan’s earlier plea, in which he sought written details of the inquiry and the return of his mobile phone. They added that Rizwan will question the allegations against him on Friday, including the claim that his non-cooperation is hindering the inquiry.
NCCIA sources said investigators had contacted Rizwan several times earlier in the week seeking his cooperation but received no positive response. They said the cricketer was unreachable on some occasions, while at other times he said he would consult his lawyer before responding.
Rizwan had earlier appeared before the agency on September 10 in the same inquiry.
How the case has unfolded
- September 10: Rizwan appears before the NCCIA in connection with the inquiry.
- Earlier this week: investigators contact Rizwan several times seeking cooperation. He is unreachable on some occasions; on others he says he will consult his lawyer before responding.
- September 30: the NCCIA issues a second notice after Rizwan’s plea for written details of the inquiry and the return of his phone goes unanswered.
- October 2: Rizwan is directed to appear in person at 3pm for the forensic examination of his seized phone.
When will Mohammad Rizwan appear before the NCCIA?
He has been directed to appear in person on Friday, October 2, at 3pm local time for the forensic examination of his seized mobile phone.
What is the NCCIA inquiry about?
The inquiry concerns alleged online betting and gambling activities. The agency wants to forensically examine and analyse Rizwan’s seized phone.
Did Rizwan appear before the NCCIA earlier?
Yes. He appeared before the agency on September 10 in connection with the same inquiry.
