The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has recovered fingerprints and biometric data belonging to 600,000 citizens during a single raid, officials told the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Interior.
The agency also recovered 195 active mobile SIMs, 16 smartphones, and 81 ATM cards belonging to different banks from an individual arrested in Faisalabad.
An NCCIA director informed the committee that stolen biometric information and recovered SIM cards were being used to commit financial fraud against citizens.
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman also acknowledged that employees of mobile phone companies had been involved in leaking citizens’ data.
He cited the case of a woman in Rajanpur whose thumb impression was obtained on the pretext of providing ration. The biometric information was later allegedly used in a terrorism-related case.
The PTA chairman told the committee that authorities have blocked 18 million fake SIMs issued in other people’s names.
Telecom companies have also been fined a combined Rs. 4.5 billion over the issue.
Standing Committee on Interior Chairman Khurram Nawaz raised concerns over the continued use of fraudulent calls, including calls from individuals posing as representatives of courier companies. He also highlighted an increase in WhatsApp account hacking incidents.
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry also revealed that a “Rent-a-Bank Account” scheme is operating in Pakistan.
Under the scheme, individuals allow others to use their bank accounts in exchange for money. According to Chaudhry, some account holders are aware of the potential legal consequences and reportedly make arrangements before handing over access to their accounts.
The latest revelations have raised concerns over the security of citizens’ biometric information, mobile SIM registration and banking systems, as authorities continue efforts to prevent digital and financial fraud.
