Web desk: Pakistan’s telecom regulator has intensified its action against the illegal cloning and tampering of mobile phones.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), in coordination with the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) in Abbottabad, carried out multiple raids this week on shops suspected of altering device IMEIs and selling patched handsets.
Raids in Haripur and GT road
Enforcement teams raided repair shops near Fowara Masjid in Mochi Bazaar, Haripur, and outlets on Main GT Road.
Officials confiscated mobile phones, desktop computers, laptops, USB devices, and a DVR system. Three suspects were arrested and handed over to NCCIA for further investigation.
PTA’s warning on illegal practices
The PTA has repeatedly warned that it will not allow IMEI tampering or the sale of cloned mobile devices.
Authorities stressed that such activities damage consumer trust and open doors for crimes such as cyber fraud, financial scams, kidnappings, and other illegal operations.
Protecting telecom networks
In its statement, PTA reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of Pakistan’s telecom networks.
It said cloned devices pose a risk to national security and threaten the country’s digital ecosystem.
Public urged to report illegal activity
Officials called on the public to report any suspicious activity linked to phone cloning or IMEI manipulation.
The regulator added that violators will face strict legal action. PTA said these raids show growing cooperation between telecom regulators and cybercrime agencies to ensure that Pakistan’s telecom services remain secure and lawful.
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