Key Takeaways
- The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency arrested a woman for creating and selling fake WhatsApp accounts.
- Safia Afzal, from Sahiwal, allegedly used illegal SIM cards to set up these accounts.
- NCCIA is investigating the scale of the network and recovering digital evidence.
The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has arrested a woman named Safia Afzal for her alleged involvement in creating fake WhatsApp accounts and illegally trading activated mobile SIM cards. The arrest was made following a complaint filed by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).
According to NCCIA, Afzal allegedly obtained activated SIM cards through illegal means, used them to create fake WhatsApp accounts, and sold those accounts to various individuals. An investigation officer from the NCCIA stated that efforts are underway to identify and apprehend other facilitators and associates linked to this network.
During the operation, the NCCIA recovered 310 active SIM cards belonging to different mobile companies, along with a mobile phone, from Afzal’s possession. All digital evidence has been taken into custody for forensic examination and technical analysis. The investigation aims to determine the scale of the network, trace financial transactions, analyse digital activities, and identify any additional individuals involved.
The NCCIA has registered a case against Safia Afzal under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), 2016, as amended in 2025, along with other relevant provisions of the law. The suspect is part of an organised network that facilitated the misuse of digital identities.
Umme Salma, an NCCIA Investigation Officer, said, 'Efforts are underway to identify and apprehend other facilitators and associates linked to the network.' This statement underscores the ongoing nature of the investigation and its commitment to uncovering all aspects of this illegal activity.
The arrest highlights the growing concern over cybercrime in Pakistan. The use of fake social media accounts can lead to various forms of online harassment, identity theft, and other fraudulent activities. Authorities are taking steps to combat these issues by registering cases under relevant laws and conducting thorough investigations.
'Efforts are underway to identify and apprehend other facilitators and associates linked to the network.'
Umme Salma, NCCIA Investigation Officer
