Punjab National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) arrests five in crackdown on illegal SIM network

Punjab National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) on Friday launched a major crackdown against an illegal SIM issuance network, arresting five suspects,including a bank employee and four employees of mobile franchise outlets

LAHORE, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th Jun, 2026) Punjab National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) on Friday launched a major crackdown against an illegal SIM issuance network, arresting five suspects,including a bank employee and four employees of mobile franchise outlets.

According to officials,the raid was conducted in Lahore on the directives of NCCIA Director Muhammad Ali Wasim, following a complaint lodged by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and on the basis of technical evidence gathered during the investigation.

The arrested suspects were identified as Usman,Nair Abbas,Riaz,Atif and Umar.

Investigators alleged that the accused were illegally issuing SIM cards by misusing citizens' biometric data and identity information.

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During the operation,NCCIA recovered Biometric Verification System (BVS) devices and SIM scanners from the possession of the suspects.

Officials said forensic analysis of the seized laptops and digital devices had been completed, providing evidence of the suspects' involvement in the illegal activity.

The agency also recovered Rs.10.5 million allegedly obtained through fraudulent activities and returned the amount to the rightful complainants.

NCCIA officials said further investigations were underway to identify and apprehend other members of the network involved in cyber crime and the illegal issuance of SIM cards.