The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), along with the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), has taken action against an illegal SIM-based mobile recharging operation in Gilgit.

The agencies raided a residential property located behind NLI Market following reports that illegally issued SIMs were being used to recharge mobile accounts remotely while exploiting the tax-exempt regime in Gilgit-Baltistan.

One person was arrested during the operation. Authorities also recovered 75 mobile phones and 600 active SIM cards from the premises.

The NCCIA has registered a case and started an investigation to determine the full scope of the illegal activity.

PTA said the operation is part of its wider crackdown on the unlawful issuance and misuse of SIMs, particularly activities that facilitate tax evasion and cause losses to the national exchequer.

The regulator said it will continue coordinating with law-enforcement agencies to prevent illegal telecom activities and protect the country’s telecommunications system.