PTA and FIA Raid Illegal ZONG SIM Card Operations in Peshawar

Islamabad: (14th November, 2024) Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Zonal Office Peshawar, in collaboration with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Cyber Crime Wing Peshawar, recently conducted successful raids on Zong franchisees in Barakahu, Islamabad, and Shinkiari, District Mansehra. Both franchises were involved in the illegal issuance of SIMs by deceitfully obtaining fingerprints of underprivileged women from various villages in Orakzai Agency.

During the Barakahu raid, 6 BVS devices, 8 activated SIMs, 200 suspected SIMs, 2 computers, and digital fingerprints were confiscated. The FIA team also recovered several original CNICs and 6 mobile phones. Three individuals were arrested, and an FIR was registered.

In the Shinkiari raid, 7 BVS devices, 1 activated SIM, 300 suspected SIMs, and 1 tampered BVS device were confiscated, along with several original CNICs and 3 mobile phones. One person was arrested, and an FIR was registered.

PTA had initially filed complaints with FIA regarding these illegal activities based on information about the sales channels.

The crackdown is part of PTA’s ongoing effectors to curtail illegal issuance of SIMs and underscores Authority’s dedication for eradicating the menace.