The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) in Lahore has apprehended three individuals accused of operating an organized network that illegally obtained and sold citizens' sensitive telecommunications data. The suspects allegedly traded Call Detail Records (CDRs), SIM ownership information, family registration records, location data, and other confidential details for commercial gain, posing a severe threat to personal privacy, digital security, and national interests.
Complaint and Investigation
The arrests followed a complaint lodged by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Lahore. The NCCIA subsequently registered FIR No.146/2026 and launched an investigation. During the probe, the agency arrested Muhammad Saghir, Muhammad Ashfaq, and Malik Saddham. Preliminary findings indicate they were part of an organized network that illegally procured and sold CDRs, SIM registration data, and other sensitive information.
Seized Equipment
In the operation, the NCCIA recovered a significant cache of devices from the suspects: 14 mobile phones, a laptop, a tablet, 38 SIM cards, 10 internet devices, nine Biometric Verification System (BVS) devices, seven fingerprint scanners, three Bluetooth fingerprint scanners, three card readers, 11 memory cards, nine USB drives, eight hard disks and RAM modules, and hard copies of 60 fingerprints.
Official Statement
Punjab NCCIA Director Operations Muhammad Ali Wasim stated that indiscriminate action against individuals involved in the illegal trade of citizens' personal and sensitive data would continue. He affirmed that all those engaged in organized cybercrime would be brought to justice in accordance with the law.
