PTA, NCCIA Crack Down on Illegal IMEI Tampering in Mansehra
ABBOTTABAD – In a significant crackdown on illegal mobile phone activities, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Zonal Office in Abbottabad, in close coordination with the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), conducted a targeted raid in Mansehra to dismantle operations involved in IMEI tampering and the sale of cloned/patched mobile devices.
The enforcement operation was carried out at multiple mobile phone repair shops located near Sufi Hotel, Lorry Adda, Mansehra. During the raid, authorities confiscated desktop computers and specialized software used for modifying International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers.
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As a result of the operation, six individuals were arrested on the spot and are now in NCCIA custody pending further legal proceedings.
Zero Tolerance for IMEI Tampering
The PTA reiterated its zero-tolerance policy toward any form of IMEI manipulation. It emphasized that such illegal activities not only compromise public safety and national security, but also enable criminal activities, including:
- Cybercrime
- Financial fraud
- Abductions
- Terrorist communications
Public Urged to Report Suspicious Activity
The authority has urged citizens to remain vigilant and immediately report any suspicious behavior related to mobile phone cloning or tampering. The PTA stated that regulatory oversight is being tightened, and violators will face severe legal consequences.
For further updates or to report suspicious activities, the public is encouraged to contact relevant authorities or use PTA’s official complaint channels.
