LAHORE: The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has unearthed a gang involved in illegal issuance and misuse of SIM cards, arresting five suspects, including a bank employee and a mobile franchise worker.

During the investigation, it also recovered Rs10.5m obtained through fraudulent activities and returned the amount to the affected complainants.

According to the NCCIA, the investigation was initiated following a complaint lodged by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). The inquiry revealed that certain individuals were illegally issuing SIM cards by misusing citizens’ identity information and biometric data. Acting on technical evidence, digital forensic analysis and intelligence reports, the NCCIA raided a mobile franchise located in Yazman, Bahawalpur.

The arrested suspects are identified as Usman, Nair Abbas, Riaz, Atif, and Umar. Among those detained are a bank employee and an employee of a mobile franchise.

The suspects were involved in the unlawful use of personal identification data and issuance of SIM cards without proper verification procedures.

Biometric Verification System (BVS) equipment, SIM scanners, mobile phones, laptops, CPUs, and other digital evidence were seized during investigation.

Forensic examination of the confiscated devices reportedly uncovered further evidence supporting the allegations of illegal activities.

Published in Dawn, June 20th, 2026