In a significant effort to curb illegal mobile activities, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), in coordination with the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), launched a crackdown on IMEI tampering and mobile phone cloning in Abbottabad and Haripur.
Joint enforcement teams raided several mobile repair shops in Haripur, including areas near Fowara Masjid in Mochi Bazaar and along Main GT Road. During the operation, authorities seized a large collection of equipment, including cloned mobile phones, desktop computers, laptops, USB devices, and a DVR system.
Three individuals involved in IMEI tampering were arrested on-site and handed over to NCCIA for further investigation.
The PTA stressed that IMEI tampering and mobile cloning pose serious threats to national security, facilitating cybercrime, financial fraud, and other criminal activities. The authority reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on such illegal practices and urged the public to report suspicious activities immediately. Legal action will be taken against violators to the fullest extent of the law.
This operation highlights the growing collaboration between regulatory authorities and cybercrime investigators to safeguard Pakistan’s online systems and ensure lawful telecom services.
Earlier, Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had taken notice of a mobile SIM data leak. Acting on his instructions, the NCCIA initiated an investigation and formed a special team to probe the issue thoroughly. The culprits will be identified, legal action will be pursued, and a detailed report is expected to be submitted to the Interior Minister within 14 days.
In a statement, PTA Warns Against Use Of Illegal Mobile Devices Amid Crackdown
