PTA Crackdown on Cloned Mobile Devices and Illegal IMEI Tampering
ISLAMABAD ( WEB NEWS )
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Zonal Office Lahore, in collaboration with the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Gujranwala, conducted successful raids against individuals involved in illegal IMEI tampering and the sale of cloned mobile phones in Sialkot.
The first raid was carried out at Electro Mart located in Allama Iqbal Chowk, where a mobile phone with a tampered IMEI number was recovered. The shopkeeper was arrested on the spot. The second raid took place at Rehan Mobile Center, where four mobile phones with tampered IMEI numbers were seized. These included various models of Google Pixel phones whose IMEI numbers corresponded to lower-priced models.
FIRs have been registered in both cases and further investigations are ongoing. It is noteworthy that PTA follows a zero-tolerance policy against the tampering of IMEI numbers and the illegal buying and selling of such devices. IMEI tampering and the sale of cloned phones pose a serious threat to national security and public safety, as they can be used in cybercrimes, financial fraud, kidnappings, and other illegal activities.
PTA appeals to the public to immediately report any suspicious activities related to phone cloning or tampering. Strict legal action will be taken against those involved.