The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) raided a mobile store in Shah Faisal Colony, Karachi, and found an illegal SIM card activation operation network following a complaint from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).
Authorities arrested an important suspect. This person was accused of using fake fingerprint machines to activate SIM cards. The manager and assistants at the store secretly accessed the system to break the law. Together, they activated 379 SIM cards from March 1 to May 31, 2025. Out of these, 347 SIMs were linked to ID cards from Punjab. Many ID card owners were unaware that their details were being used, raising concerns about identity theft.
During the raid, NCCIA took digital devices and other evidence from the store. The main suspect is being questioned to find out who else may be involved. More arrests are expected as the investigation continues. The PTA has been carrying out similar raids in Multan, Lahore, and Rawalpindi to stop illegal SIM sales.
Recently, PTA denied a false social media post that said devices using more than five SIMs in a month would get blocked. The fake notice used the PTA’s logo and warned about IMEI blocking, which caused confusion. PTA advised people to always check information on its official channels.
Illegal SIM activations are risky because they help crimes like fraud. NCCIA and PTA are working to protect people and make sure mobile services are safe.
