The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), in coordination with the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), Gilgit, has raided an illegal setup allegedly involved in recharging mobile accounts through illegally issued SIMs.
According to the PTA, its Zonal Office Gilgit conducted the raid at residential premises located behind NLI Market in Gilgit after receiving information about the misuse of SIMs for remotely recharging mobile accounts.
The authority said the illegal setup was allegedly exploiting the tax-exempt status applicable in Gilgit-Baltistan to carry out the activity.
During the operation, one suspect was apprehended, while 75 mobile phones and 600 active SIMs were recovered and taken into custody as evidence.
The PTA said the illegal activity not only undermined the regulatory framework governing the issuance and use of SIMs but also caused significant revenue losses to the government and public exchequer.
Following the raid, the NCCIA registered an FIR and initiated further investigation into the matter in accordance with the law.
The PTA said the action formed part of its ongoing efforts, in coordination with law-enforcement agencies, to curb the illegal issuance and misuse of SIMs, prevent tax evasion and protect the integrity of Pakistan’s telecommunications infrastructure.
The authority reiterated that strict action would be taken against individuals and entities involved in unlawful telecommunications activities.
