LAHORE:The National Cybercrime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Punjab in a major crackdown on an organised network involved in the illegal issuance and misuse of SIM cards, arrested five suspects.
During the investigation, authorities also recovered Rs10.5 million obtained through fraudulent activities and returned the amount to the affected complainants.According to NCCIA, the investigation was initiated following a complaint lodged by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). The inquiry revealed that certain individuals were illegally issuing SIM cards by misusing citizens’ identity information and biometric data. Acting on technical evidence, digital forensic analysis and intelligence reports, NCCIA raided a mobile franchise located in Yazman, Bahawalpur.
The agency’s spokesperson identified the arrested suspects as Usman, Nair Abbas, Riaz, Atif, and Umar. Among those detained are a bank employee and an employee of a mobile franchise. Investigators stated that the suspects were involved in the unlawful use of personal identification data and the issuance of SIM cards without proper verification procedures.
During the raid, officials seized Biometric Verification System (BVS) equipment, SIM scanners, mobile phones, laptops, CPUs, and other digital evidence. Forensic examination of the confiscated devices reportedly uncovered further evidence supporting the allegations of illegal activities.
Investigating Officer SHO Najam Bajwa stated that further investigations are underway and that the role of other individuals linked to the network is also being examined. The agency reiterated its commitment to taking strict action against those involved in the illegal issuance of SIM cards, misuse of identity information, and other cyber-related crimes.
