NCCIA busts network selling call records, NADRA data
Agency told senators that five suspects sold travel history, family trees and geolocation data; separately, 100 arrested in Islamabad raid.
The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has disclosed two separate cybercrime actions: the dismantling of a network allegedly selling citizens' personal data, and a raid on an illegal call centre in Islamabad. The data-selling network was detailed in a briefing to the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology. The compromised information included call detail records, travel history, NADRA-linked personal data, family trees, SIM ownership details, subscriber information, geolocation records and location-tracking data.
According to the briefing, the suspects acted in connivance to obtain and transmit confidential data. A technical examination of seized mobile phones confirmed the involvement of the accused. Fake WhatsApp accounts and microfinance bank accounts were allegedly used to facilitate payments and conceal proceeds.
The NCCIA registered a case against five people: Arshad Tariq, Arham Baree, Anam Sabir, Muhammad Rizwan and Samman Sabir. Four suspects were arrested and are on bail, while Arham Baree obtained pre-arrest bail. Seven mobile phones were recovered. The investigation is continuing to determine the role of other individuals and to trace possible foreign links, the agency said. It also warned that Pakistan lacks a consolidated national threat-intelligence dashboard, which limits early warning and coordinated response against cyberthreats to critical information infrastructure.
Separately, TechJuice reported that NCCIA arrested 100 people, including 17 foreign nationals, in an operation at an illegal call centre in Islamabad. A spokesperson said the call centre was running unethical applications and operating financial schemes linked to India and Brazil. Investigators recovered data and evidence indicating the network's involvement in fraudulent online activity through fake financial platforms. The premises were sealed and electronic devices confiscated. Further details on identities and specific charges are expected as the investigation progresses.
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