FIA and PTA Raid Uncovers Illegal SIM Card Operation

In a joint operation, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Zonal Office Lahore and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Cyber Crime Circle conducted a successful raid on a mobile phone company franchisee in Khairpur Tame Wali, Distt Bahawalpur. The raid was aimed at curbing the illegal issuance of SIM cards that were being used for grey trafficking and fraudulent activities.

During the raid, a significant number of suspicious items were seized, including 470 active SIM cards, nine Biometric Verification System (BVS) devices, one Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) device, and a laptop containing around 4000 fingerprints used for illegal SIM activation. Furthermore, one individual was arrested by the FIA, and a First Information Report (FIR) has been lodged against them. The FIA is actively pursuing further investigations into the matter to uncover any potential accomplices.

The PTA has taken a strong stance against the illegal issuance of SIM cards and has lodged a formal complaint with the FIA based on the information gathered during the raid. This operation underscores the authority's commitment to eliminating the unlawful distribution of SIM cards and cracking down on activities that pose a threat to national security.

The collaborative efforts of the PTA and FIA in conducting this raid demonstrate the government's resolve to combat illegal activities in the telecommunications sector. By targeting entities involved in the illicit issuance of SIM cards, Pakistan aims to enhance security measures and prevent misuse of communication networks for unlawful purposes.