NCCIA Recovers Biometric Data of 600,000 Citizens in Single Raid

The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) seized the biometric data of 600,000 citizens during a single operation, according to officials who briefed the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Interior. The agency also seized 195 active mobile SIMs, 16 smartphones, and 81 ATM cards from an individual arrested in Faisalabad.

NCCIA Director stated that the stolen biometric information and recovered SIMs were being exploited to perpetrate financial fraud against citizens. Mobile companies' officials were implicated in data leaks by the PTA chairman, who cited the instance of a woman in Rajanpur whose thumb impression, obtained under the guise of providing her with ration, was later employed in terrorism.

The PTA chairman further disclosed that authorities have so far neutralized 18 million fraudulent SIMs issued under the names of others. Telecom firms have collectively incurred a fine amount of Rs4.5 billion in relation to this matter. Standing Committee on Interior Chairman, Khurram Nawaz, cited persistent occurrences of fraudulent calls every week, perpetrated by individuals posing as representatives of courier companies.

He also reported incidents of hacked WhatsApp accounts. The "Rent-a-Bank Account" scheme is operating in Pakistan, revealed Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry. Account holders are aware that if apprehended, they could serve roughly two months in jail. They make preparations in advance, taking their share of the funds before granting access to their accounts.