PTA has taken action against the alleged illegal sale of confidential telecom subscriber data by filing a complaint with the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency Lahore against individuals suspected of running the network. The complaint led to an enforcement operation by NCCIA Lahore, during which three suspects were sacked from the alleged network after authorities moved in on the operation.
According to a press release issued by PTA, the raid resulted in the recovery of five mobile phones, eight Biometric Verification System devices, and 43 suspicious SIM cards from the possession of those involved. The scale of the recovered equipment pointed to an organized operation built around unauthorized access to telecom subscriber records rather than an isolated incident.
PTA said forensic analysis of the seized devices uncovered WhatsApp conversations allegedly linked to the unauthorized sale of sensitive telecom subscriber information. The recovered material reportedly included call detail records, subscriber and IMEI data, location information, fingerprint and CNIC records, along with evidence pointing to financial transactions connected to the alleged operation. Investigators say the material recovered offers a detailed picture of how such networks may package and sell subscriber data.
Following the raid, an FIR has been registered against the individuals involved, and further investigations are underway to determine the full scope of the network and identify any other people connected to it. PTA reaffirmed its focus on protecting the confidentiality of telecom subscriber data and said it will continue coordinating with law enforcement agencies to prevent and stop illegal activities involving sensitive customer information going forward.
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