Two arrested for ‘acquiring and selling’ people’s data in Lahore

Published
0
This file photo, used for representational purposes, shows handcuffs kept on top of a laptop. ─ AFP/File
This file photo, used for representational purposes, shows handcuffs kept on top of a laptop. ─ AFP/File

LAHORE: The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) on Tuesday arrested two suspects allegedly operating a website – “Mini Nadra” – and recovered three terabytes of sensitive and personal data of people from their possession.

According to the NCCIA, the suspects had access to data of more than 10 million citizens and were allegedly involved in illegal acquisition, possession and sale of the data.

The agency says that two mobile phones were also seized from the suspects – Arsalan and Ali Raza – along with devices containing nearly three terabytes of data.

It says the operation was conducted on the instructions of NCCIA Punjab Director Hussam Bin Iqbal.

The recovered data included SIM ownership and registration details, call detail records (CDRs), SIM databases, users’ location information, family trees and sensitive information linked to various government institutions.

It said the suspects were involved in illegal trade of sensitive data and had access to a platform known as “Khoji.”

It also transpired that they had established a website called “Mini Nadra,” through which Nadra-related information was allegedly provided.

A case has been registered against both suspects, and further investigation is underway.

Published in Dawn, September 9th, 2026

Opinion

Editorial

Muddled hierarchy
Updated 15 Nov, 2026

Muddled hierarchy

The jurisdiction of the two courts and a mechanism for settling disputes between them should be spelt out in law, not left to judges to fight over.
Growing crisis
15 Nov, 2026

Growing crisis

AN emergency can be judged by the speed with which it draws an effective response. The National Population Council’s...
Organised rackets
15 Nov, 2026

Organised rackets

ON the International Day against Transnational Organised Crime, observed today, Pakistan finds itself in a tight...
Referendum talk
Updated 14 Nov, 2026

Referendum talk

Unless the PPP is deliberately using Sindh as a bargaining chip, it should issue a clarification with a clear, consistent position on new administrative units, not one tailored to protect its home turf.
Mineral wealth
Updated 14 Nov, 2026

Mineral wealth

Minerals should not be presented as a solution to Pakistan’s long-term economic difficulties. The aim should be to build an industrial base rather than export raw materials.
Late diagnosis
14 Nov, 2026

Late diagnosis

AS we mark World Diabetes Day today, Pakistan faces a troubling question: how many people are living with diabetes...