By Anzal Amin
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Zonal Office Lahore in close coordination with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) conducted a raid regarding illegal SIM activations, possession of multiple BVS devices, digital fingerprints, and OTP SIMs.
The raid led to the recovery of 15 BVS devices of Jazz, 1 BVS device of Zong, 12,000 digital fingerprints, and 460 paper fingerprints. An FIR has been registered by FIA CCRC Lahore, and further investigation is underway.
This action reflects PTA’s unwavering commitment to eliminating the illegal issuance of SIMs and protecting national security and citizens’ data privacy.
Earlier, In a major crackdown against illegal mobile SIM card sellers, PTA and FIA (Cyber Crime Wing) jointly conducted a series of coordinated nationwide raids against sellers involved in the unlawful sale of active international SIM cards. These actions are part of an ongoing effort to combat fraudulent telecommunications activities and ensure national security.
The raids, carried out across multiple locations, including Abbottabad, Skardu, Peshawar, Lahore, and Sialkot, targeted individuals and entities engaged in the unauthorized distribution and sale of international SIM cards being used for illicit activities, including fraud and unverified communications. Several suspects have been apprehended, and a significant number of illegally activated SIM cards have been seized.
PTA and FIA are closely monitoring the illicit trade of active SIM cards, which poses a substantial risk to public safety by enabling anonymous and untraceable communications. The use of these SIMs for illegal purposes, such as cybercrime, financial fraud, abduction, and other unlawful activities, has raised concerns among security agencies.
Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious SIM card sales. Strict regulatory measures are being reinforced to prevent unauthorized SIM distribution, and violators will face severe legal consequences.
The government and telecom regulator continue to work closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure that mobile network services comply with legal frameworks and do not fall into the hands of criminal elements.
