Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), in a joint operation with the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Gujranwala, conducted two targeted raids in Sialkot aimed at curbing the sale of tampered and cloned mobile devices. The coordinated effort focused on the growing issue of unauthorized mobile device modification, which continues to threaten public safety and digital integrity across the country.
The first operation was carried out at Electro Mart, located in Allama Iqbal Chowk, where officials discovered a mobile phone with a tampered IMEI number. The shopkeeper was arrested on site, and the device was seized for further forensic analysis. In a follow-up raid on Rehman Mobile Centre, also situated at Allama Iqbal Chowk, four additional phones were confiscated. These devices included various models of Google Pixel that had been illegally patched and carried reconfigured IMEIs to impersonate lower-cost variants. The owner of the outlet was also taken into custody.
According to the official PTA release, these actions are part of a broader campaign to combat illegal mobile phone manipulation and sale. The authority emphasized its zero-tolerance policy toward IMEI tampering, stressing that such practices not only breach regulatory laws but also present serious national security concerns. Cloned and patched mobile devices are often used to mask identities, enabling a wide range of criminal activities including cybercrime, financial fraud, and other illicit operations.
Investigations into both incidents are currently underway, with First Information Reports (FIRs) registered to pursue prosecution under applicable cybercrime and telecom laws. PTA highlighted that the practice of selling cloned phones undermines the trust and security of mobile networks, and compromises the ability of law enforcement agencies to track digital footprints effectively.
PTA reiterated its commitment to safeguarding mobile device authentication systems and urged citizens to remain vigilant. Consumers are advised to verify IMEI authenticity through PTA’s DIRBS system before purchasing any device. PTA also encouraged the public to report suspicious activities related to phone cloning or tampering via their designated complaint channels to help eliminate this illicit trade.
The authority further stated that such enforcement actions are being intensified across various regions to identify and penalize individuals or businesses involved in the manipulation and sale of unauthorized mobile devices. These efforts are aligned with the national goal of ensuring secure and traceable communication infrastructure.
By taking swift action against perpetrators, PTA and NCCIA aim to deter further violations and maintain a safe digital environment for mobile users across the country. The operation serves as a strong reminder that any attempt to compromise mobile security through cloning or patching will lead to serious legal consequences.
