The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has intensified its fight against illegal SIM issuance, conducting a series of successful raids across Punjab. These actions, led by PTA’s Zonal Office Lahore in collaboration with the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), aim to dismantle networks exploiting biometric verification systems to activate SIMs unlawfully.
Raids Uncover Grey Setup in Multan
The operation began with a major raid in Multan, where authorities discovered a grey setup operating numerous active SIMs across all telecom operators. While the main suspect managed to escape, investigators seized crucial equipment used in the scam.
Link to Kot Momin Zong Franchise
Forensic analysis of the seized SIMs led officials to a Zong franchise in Kot Momin, Sargodha. There, authorities arrested the franchise owner and two accomplices. The suspects were allegedly issuing SIMs using fake credentials and manipulated biometric data.
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Key Suspect Traced to Hasilpur and Vehari
Further investigation uncovered a larger network connected to an individual operating three Ufone franchises in Vehari, Hasilpur, and Multan. He had previously run a Jazz franchise in Lahore. Authorities found that this person was receiving fingerprints and activated SIMs from an accomplice in Hasilpur.
Massive Seizure of SIMs and Devices
During the crackdown, the enforcement teams recovered 15,996 illegal SIMs — including 12,636 from Ufone, 1,370 from Jazz, 1,100 from Zong, and 890 from Telenor. They also seized 18 Zong biometric verification system (BVS) devices and several high-capacity SIM gateways, including one 128-port device and multiple 32- and 64-port units used for mass activation and spoofing.
Legal Action and Citizen Vigilance
The NCCIA has registered an FIR, and further investigations are ongoing to identify remaining members of the syndicate. PTA emphasized its continued efforts to eliminate illegal SIM operations and protect Pakistan’s digital infrastructure.
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