PTA raids telecom franchise during crackdown on illegal SIMs
The Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) conducted a raid on a private telecom franchise in Sahiwal. Arresting two individuals for illegally issuing SIM cards, as stated in a press release on Thursday. Earlier this month, the PTA and FIA had apprehended eight people and confiscated over 7,000 illegal SIM cards during a crackdown, according to a press release from last week.
FIA and PTA Collaboration Raid
The PTA Lahore Zonal Office worked with the FIA Cyber Crime Circle to raid a Ufone franchise in Arifwala, Sahiwal. This franchise was caught illegally issuing SIM cards.
During the raid, the FIA team took several items and arrested the franchise owner on the spot. They also arrested another person in Bahawalnagar for supplying fingerprints. The FIA is continuing its investigation and has registered a case.
The raid recovered 650 paper fingerprints (6,500 impressions), 1,500 digital fingerprints (15,000 impressions), 12 sets of silicon thumb/finger impressions, and 105 active SIM cards. Three Biometric Verification System devices, a scanner, and a laptop.
UK SIM Cards Linked to Serious Crimes in Pakistan
The crackdown is part of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority’s (PTA) ongoing efforts to prevent the misuse of the Multi-Finger Biometric Verification System (MBVS). The PTA is dedicated to eliminating the illegal issuance of SIM cards and ensuring strict enforcement against violations. Earlier this month, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) reported that illegal international SIM cards, particularly those from the United Kingdom, are being widely used in Pakistan. For serious crimes, including child pornography, kidnapping for ransom, and online financial fraud.
Cybersecurity Efforts Strengthened in Pakistan
At a recent press conference, FIA Cybercrime Wing Additional Director General Waqaruddin Syed announced a significant crackdown on the unauthorized trade of illegal SIM cards. This operation, the first of its kind in the country, arrested 44 suspects in cities. Such as Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Peshawar, Sukkur, and Abbottabad. The crackdown also led to the recovery of 8,363 international SIM cards from the UK. The FIA has registered a total of 21 cases nationwide, highlighting its commitment to combatting cybercrime and enhancing cybersecurity efforts in the country, which individuals reportedly used for illegal activities.
Conclusion
The PTA and FIA’s joint crackdown on illegal SIM card trade is a major step in strengthening cybersecurity. And preventing criminal activities in Pakistan. By arresting suspects, seizing thousands of illegal SIMs, and taking action. Against those misusing biometric verification systems, authorities are ensuring tighter security in the telecom sector. The operation highlights the commitment to stopping crimes like financial fraud, ransom cases, and online exploitation. As the investigations continue, strict measures will help protect citizens from cyber threats and misuse of telecom services. PTA raids telecom franchise during crackdown on illegal SIMs