The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has arrested five individuals, including a bank employee and staff members of mobile phone franchises, over their alleged involvement in an illegal SIM card issuance network operating in Lahore.

The operation was launched on the directives of NCCIA Director Muhammad Ali Wasim after a complaint was filed by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), supported by technical evidence linking the suspects to the network.

Officials said the arrested suspects — identified as Usman, Nair Abbas, Riaz, Atif, and Umar — allegedly used citizens’ biometric data and identity information to fraudulently activate SIM cards.

During the raid, law enforcement recovered biometric verification systems, SIM scanning devices, laptops, and other digital tools believed to have been used in the illegal activity. Authorities said forensic examination of the seized equipment further confirmed their involvement.

The NCCIA also recovered Rs. 10.5 million, which is believed to be proceeds from the fraudulent operation, and returned the amount to affected complainants.

Investigators said further raids and arrests are underway as they continue to trace additional members of the network.