The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has arrested five individuals, including a bank employee and four staff members of mobile phone franchises, for their alleged involvement in an illegal SIM issuance network operating in Lahore.
According to officials, the operation was conducted on the instructions of NCCIA Director Muhammad Ali Wasim after a complaint was received from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). Following technical surveillance and evidence collection, investigators traced the suspects’ involvement in the illegal activity.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Usman, Nair Abbas, Riaz, Atif, and Umar. Authorities alleged that the group was using citizens’ biometric data and identity information to unlawfully issue SIM cards.
During the raid, law enforcement teams recovered Biometric Verification System (BVS) devices, SIM scanning equipment, laptops, and other digital tools used in the operation. Preliminary forensic examination of the seized material reportedly confirmed their role in the network.
Officials further stated that Rs. 10.5 million, believed to have been obtained through fraudulent transactions, was also recovered and returned to the affected complainants.
Investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members connected to the wider illegal SIM issuance network.
