The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has arrested four suspects allegedly selling sensitive government data to foreign intelligence agencies in South Punjab.
The Director General of (NCCIA), Syed Khurram Ali, confirmed on Friday that the suspects had sold call records, CNICs, and passports of key government officers.
The four arrested individuals were identified as Arshad Tariq, Arham Bari, Anam Sabir, and Mohammad Rizwan by the investigating authorities.
Forensic examinations of all the mobile phones of the suspects have been completed, with results now forming a core part of the ongoing investigation.
Ali described the operation as “organised espionage and cybercrime,” stating that data had been transferred directly to foreign intelligence agencies abroad.
The NCCIA has registered formal cases involving the illegal transfer of sensitive government data to recipients located outside the national borders.
Investigators are currently reviewing institutional staff emails to determine precisely how unauthorised individuals first gained access to the classified data.
The NCCIA has directed all government institutions to strengthen internal data security and restrict access to unauthorised personnel immediately.
Officials stressed that responsibility for protecting sensitive government information rests entirely with individuals who have been formally granted access rights.
Investigations remain active to identify government officials who may have directly facilitated or enabled the significant security breach.
Ali separately disclosed that several individuals promoting online campaigns for Swat’s annexation into Afghanistan had also been arrested by the agency.
He warned that action would be taken against all individuals found publicly speaking against the state of Pakistan on any digital platforms.
