ISLAMABAD, July 15, 2026 – Pakistan’s telecom regulator said on Wednesday that three individuals had been arrested in Lahore for allegedly selling confidential telecom subscriber information, including call records, location data and IMEI details.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) said its Lahore Zonal Office filed a complaint with the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) against suspects allegedly involved in the illegal trade of sensitive subscriber information.

The complaint alleged the unauthorized sale of Call Detail Records (CDRs), subscriber information, location data and International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) records.

NCCIA conducts enforcement operation

Acting on the complaint, the NCCIA carried out an enforcement operation in Lahore, during which three suspects were apprehended.

Authorities recovered five mobile phones, eight Biometric Verification System (BVS) devices and 43 suspicious SIM cards during the raid.

According to the PTA, forensic analysis of the seized devices uncovered WhatsApp conversations allegedly related to the unauthorized sale of telecom subscriber information.

Investigators also found files containing Call Detail Records, IMEI data, subscriber information, fingerprint records, Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) details and evidence of financial transactions linked to the alleged illegal operation.

FIR registered

The PTA said a First Information Report (FIR) has been registered, while the NCCIA has launched further investigations into the case.

The regulator reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the confidentiality of telecom subscriber data and said it would continue working closely with law enforcement agencies to combat the illegal collection and sale of sensitive information.

The authority added that protecting subscriber privacy remains a key regulatory priority as Pakistan strengthens enforcement against cybercrime and data-related offences.