PTA and FIA Conduct Raids Against Illegal SIM Sellers in Lahore
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Zonal Office in Lahore, in partnership with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Cyber Crime Circle, has launched a significant crackdown on the illegal issuance of SIM cards.
In a series of coordinated operations, four successful raids were executed across various locations in Lahore, including two telecom franchises situated on Ferozepur Road and in Johar Town. During these raids, authorities seized seven suspected BVS devices, three mobile phones, 50 suspicious SIM cards, and one laptop, all of which were confiscated as evidence by the FIA Cyber Crime Circle (CCRC) team.
In a significant development, the FIA apprehended a key member of the illegal network who was responsible for obtaining fingerprint scans for unauthorized SIM issuance. Additionally, four other suspects were arrested, including Franchise Managers, a Zong Business Development Officer (BDO), and a Delivery Service Officer (DSO). The FIA has registered two First Information Reports (FIRs) related to this case, and the investigation is ongoing through the FIA Cybercrime Wing.
This crackdown reflects the PTA’s ongoing commitment to combat the illegal issuance of SIMs and highlights the authority’s determination to address this growing issue.
