Summary
- LAHORE: The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Lahore has arrested a woman allegedly involved in operating a network that created fake WhatsApp accounts using illegally obtained mobile SIM cards, officials said.
- According to investigators, the accused allegedly acquired active mobile SIM cards through unlawful means, used them to register fake WhatsApp accounts and then sold the accounts to different individuals.
- The NCCIA reiterated its commitment to continuing intelligence-based, evidence-driven operations against individuals and organised groups involved in illegal SIM trading, fake digital identities, online fraud and other cyber offences, with the aim of strengthening Pakistan’s digital security and protecting the public from cyber threats.
LAHORE: The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Lahore has arrested a woman allegedly involved in operating a network that created fake WhatsApp accounts using illegally obtained mobile SIM cards, officials said.
The action was carried out in connection with Case No. 145/2026, registered on the complaint of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). The suspect, identified as Safia Afzal, a resident of Sahiwal, was taken into custody during an intelligence-led operation.
According to investigators, the accused allegedly acquired active mobile SIM cards through unlawful means, used them to register fake WhatsApp accounts and then sold the accounts to different individuals. Preliminary findings indicate that the operation was part of an organised network, and authorities are now working to identify other suspects and facilitators believed to be linked to the scheme.
During the raid, NCCIA officials recovered 310 active SIM cards belonging to various mobile networks along with a mobile phone from the suspect’s possession. All digital devices and evidence have been taken into custody for forensic examination to trace the network’s operations, financial links, digital activities and any additional individuals involved.
A case has been registered against the suspect under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, as amended in 2025, along with other relevant legal provisions. Investigators are also examining whether the network has connections to online fraud, identity misuse or other forms of cybercrime.
The NCCIA reiterated its commitment to continuing intelligence-based, evidence-driven operations against individuals and organised groups involved in illegal SIM trading, fake digital identities, online fraud and other cyber offences, with the aim of strengthening Pakistan’s digital security and protecting the public from cyber threats.
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