Telecom Franchise Owner Arrested for Issuing Illegal SIMs in Mianwali

On Tuesday, a press release announced that the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) arrested the owner of a telecom franchise for allegedly issuing SIM cards illegally in Mianwali district, Punjab. Last month, the FIA and PTA conducted joint raids across the country, resulting in the arrest of at least 54 individuals and the seizure of over 15,000 illegal SIMs as part of an ongoing crackdown.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) announced a successful raid on a Ufone franchise in Mianwali, collaborating with the FIA’s Lahore Cyber Crime Circle. The franchise was involved in the illegal issuance of SIM cards. Authorities seized 496 digital fingerprint impressions, BVS devices, two scanners, and a laptop as evidence. The franchise owner was arrested, and a first information report has been filed against him for further legal action.

FIA Cyber Crime Circle Launches Investigation into SIM Fraud

The telecom regulatory authority has announced that the FIA Cyber Crime Circle has initiated an investigation to identify more offenders. This investigation is part of the authority’s ongoing efforts to prevent the circumvention of the Multi-Finger Biometric Verification System (MBVS). The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) emphasized that this strong and steadfast commitment highlights its dedication to eliminating the illegal issuance of SIM cards.

FIA Recovers Over 8,000 International SIM Cards

Last month, the FIA’s Rawalpindi Cyber Crime Circle arrested a suspect in Lahore’s Gulshan Ali Colony for allegedly selling international SIM cards illegally. In February, Waqaruddin Syed, the Additional Director General of the FIA Cybercrime Wing, announced that authorities had apprehended 44 suspects across various cities, including Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Peshawar, Sukkur, and Abbottabad. He also reported that investigators had recovered a total of 8,363 international SIM cards from the United Kingdom and stated that they had registered 21 cases nationwide.

Conclusion

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) are taking strong action against the illegal sale of SIM cards to prevent fraud and misuse. Their joint efforts have led to multiple arrests, including a telecom franchise owner in Mianwali, and the recovery of thousands of illegal SIM cards. The FIA Cyber Crime Circle continues to investigate and track down offenders to ensure strict enforcement of SIM registration rules. These efforts show the government’s commitment to stopping illegal activities and protecting the public from potential scams and security threats.