Pakistan Telecommunication Authority’s Zonal Office in Lahore, in coordination with the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Gujranwala, has carried out a series of enforcement raids in Gujrat, targeting illegal mobile phone activities. These actions were taken in response to the increasing prevalence of tampered and cloned devices being sold in local markets, which pose security, privacy, and financial risks to users across the country. In total, three separate locations were raided, resulting in the seizure of 45 mobile phones with altered International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers.
The first raid took place at a mobile shop on Gulzar-e-Madina Road, where officials recovered 12 phones with reprogrammed IMEIs. Two individuals were taken into custody from the premises. The second operation, conducted at Zaib Super Market, led to the confiscation of 13 such phones and the arrest of one person. The final raid occurred at Kashmir Plaza, where 20 tampered mobile phones were recovered and three individuals were detained. The recovered devices included popular models from brands like Google Pixel and OnePlus, whose original IMEIs had been overwritten with identifiers from lower-priced phones, enabling fraudulent resale and illegal usage.
FIRs have been registered for each incident and legal proceedings have been initiated. The investigation is ongoing to trace the broader supply and distribution network involved in this illegal trade. PTA maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy toward IMEI tampering, reiterating that such practices are not only illegal but also jeopardize national security. Cloned phones can be used to mask criminal activities, facilitate anonymous communication, evade tracking, and enable crimes such as financial fraud, cyberattacks, and abductions.
The misuse of reprogrammed mobile devices undermines public safety and weakens trust in mobile networks. Regulatory enforcement against this threat remains a top priority for PTA, which continues to work closely with cybercrime agencies to ensure illegal devices are removed from circulation. The joint operation with NCCIA reflects the increasing collaboration between regulatory and law enforcement agencies to address the technological dimensions of crime and fraud.
PTA has called on citizens to remain alert and proactive in identifying and reporting suspicious phone-related activities. Consumers are encouraged to verify mobile devices before purchase using PTA’s official device verification systems. Awareness campaigns and compliance checks are also being intensified to deter further violations in the mobile retail space.
By executing targeted raids and arresting individuals involved in mobile cloning, PTA aims to reinforce lawful practices across Pakistan’s mobile device ecosystem. These efforts underscore the importance of secure digital infrastructure and the role of public cooperation in safeguarding the integrity of telecom services.
