3 Arrested in PTA Crackdown Against Illegal Sale of Telecom User Data

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has taken action against the alleged illegal sale of confidential telecom subscriber data by filing a complaint with the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Lahore against individuals suspected of operating the illegal network.

According to a press release issued by the PTA, the complaint led to an enforcement operation by NCCIA Lahore, during which three suspects were arrested. Authorities also recovered five mobile phones, eight Biometric Verification System (BVS) devices, and 43 suspicious SIM cards from their possession.

The PTA said forensic analysis of the seized devices revealed WhatsApp conversations allegedly linked to the unauthorized sale of sensitive telecom subscriber information. The recovered material included Call Detail Records (CDRs), subscriber and IMEI data, location information, fingerprint and CNIC records, as well as evidence of financial transactions related to the alleged operation.

Following the raid, an FIR has been registered against the suspects, and further investigations are underway to determine the full extent of the network and identify any other individuals involved.

The telecom regulator reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the confidentiality of telecom subscriber data and said it will continue working closely with law enforcement agencies to prevent and stop illegal activities involving sensitive customer information.