Illegal SIM Activation Network Uncovered – One Arrested, Cellular Company Involved

Karachi: The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) in Karachi, acting on a written complaint from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), has arrested the suspect, Rashid Ayub, in connection with an illegal SIM activation network.
According to NCCIA, digital devices and other criminal materials were recovered from the suspect’s possession. The raid was conducted at a suspected location with approval from the relevant authorities.
Authorities revealed that illegal SIM activations had been identified using the CNICs of women from Punjab and interior Sindh. These SIMs were activated fraudulently at a private cellular company’s franchise in Karachi.
Initial investigations showed that during March 2025, the suspect had illegally activated 1,069 SIMs via the franchise’s CRM portal, out of which 895 SIMs were registered using women’s CNICs.
During the investigation, the franchise owner and the branch manager of the cellular company were also found to be involved in the crime. A case has been registered, and further investigations are underway.