-
-
The National Cybercrime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) arrested a man in Karachi for activating over 1,000 illegal SIM cards, including 900 using stolen data of females.
According to the officials, the mobile SIMs were activated in one day using the identity cards of women from remote areas of Punjab, who had no idea their data was being misused.
The case started after Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) noticed a suspicious number of SIMs being registered and submitted a written complaint to NCCIA for investigation.
Following digital tracing, NCCIA found that the SIMs were activated through a specific mobile franchise in Karachi, where Faraz Ashraf was working with access to registration tools.
A properly authorized raid led to the arrest of a man named Faraz Ashraf, who was allegedly involved in an illegal registration network.
During the operation, authorities seized biometric devices, CRM access, fake forms, and computers used for unauthorized activities.
Investigators say in March 2025 alone, Faraz used the portal to activate 1,069 SIMs – 895 of them issued with fake fingerprints on ID cards of women.
Further inquiry revealed that the franchise owner and manager were also involved. Together, they bypassed biometric checks using forged fingerprints and completed fake registrations.
Officials warned that this identity fraud is a serious national security risk, as illegal SIMs have been used in crimes like terrorism, fraud, blackmail, and online harassment.
An FIR has been filed under the PECA Act 2016 and Pakistan Penal Code for identity fraud, cheating, aiding crime, and misusing private data.
Authorities are expanding the investigation to check if other franchises or telecom staff are running similar fraud networks across the country.
NCCIA and PTA urge all citizens to protect their identity information, avoid sharing ID copies casually, and use the PTA’s free SMS service by texting their CNIC to 668 to check active SIMs.
