NCCIA
Lahore: The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Lahore has arrested a woman allegedly involved in the creation of fake WhatsApp accounts and the illegal trade of activated mobile SIM cards during an operation conducted in connection with FIR No. 145/2026, registered on the complaint of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).
The arrested suspect, Safia Afzal, a resident of Sahiwal, is accused of obtaining activated SIM cards through illegal means, using them to create fake WhatsApp accounts, and selling those accounts to various individuals. Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect was operating as part of an organized network engaged in facilitating the misuse of digital identities. Efforts are underway to identify and apprehend other facilitators and associates linked to the network.
During the operation, NCCIA officials recovered 310 active SIM cards belonging to different mobile network operators, along with a mobile phone from the suspect’s possession. All digital evidence has been taken into custody for forensic examination and technical analysis to determine the scale of the network, trace financial transactions, analyze digital activities, and identify additional individuals involved.
A case has been registered against the suspect under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), 2016 (Amended 2025) and other relevant provisions of law. Investigators are also examining whether the network has links to other cybercrime activities, including online fraud, identity misuse, or related digital offences.
The NCCIA reiterated its commitment to taking intelligence-driven and evidence-based action against individuals and networks involved in the illegal sale of SIM cards, fake digital identities, online fraud, and other cyber-enabled crimes. The agency remains committed to strengthening Pakistan’s digital security framework and protecting citizens from evolving cyber threats.
