The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has arrested five people, including a bank employee and four workers at mobile phone franchises, for their alleged involvement in an illegal SIM issuance network operating in Lahore.
The raid was carried out on the instructions of NCCIA Director Muhammad Ali Wasim after the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority lodged a complaint and investigators gathered technical evidence linking the suspects to the scheme.
Officials identified the arrested individuals as Usman, Nair Abbas, Riaz, Atif, and Umar. Investigators alleged that they used citizens’ biometric information and identity details to illegally issue SIM cards.
During the operation, authorities seized Biometric Verification System devices, SIM scanners, laptops, and other digital equipment. Forensic analysis of the recovered devices reportedly confirmed the suspects’ involvement in the activity.
The NCCIA also recovered Rs. 10.5 million allegedly earned through fraudulent transactions and returned the amount to the affected complainants. Officials said investigations are continuing to trace and arrest other members of the network.
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