In a significant breakthrough, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Cyber Crime Unit in Rawalpindi has launched a targeted operation against the unauthorized activation of SIM cards, utilizing intelligence provided by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).
The operation led to the arrest of a suspect allegedly involved in the illicit activation of SIM cards. Inspector Badar Shahzad, heading the FIA team, orchestrated a well-coordinated raid resulting in the apprehension of the suspect. The suspect’s suspicious activities came under scrutiny following information obtained from previously detained individuals. During the raid, authorities confiscated mobile phones and VSAT devices from the suspect, further implicating him in the illegal SIM card business.
This operation reflects the ongoing efforts to crack down on individuals involved in fraudulent SIM card activations. Last month, three additional suspects were apprehended based on intelligence provided by the PTA.
The previously detained suspects were found in possession of various items considered crucial evidence in ongoing investigations, including 8 mobile phones, laptops, 5 VSAT devices, 770 silicon thumb impressions, and 285 thumbprints.
In a separate incident last month, the same group of suspects was found in possession of an alarming 11,000 digital thumbprints and 3,246 illegally activated mobile phone SIM cards. Their modus operandi involved the use of fake silicon thumb impressions to activate microfinance banking accounts for fraudulent activities.
The recent arrest marks the initiation of a thorough investigation into the network facilitating these illegal operations. Authorities remain steadfast in their commitment to dismantle the entire chain involved in SIM card fraud, thereby safeguarding the interests of mobile phone users nationwide.
