National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has recovered fingerprints and biometric data belonging to approximately 600,000 citizens during a single operation, according to officials who briefed the National Assembly Standing Committee on Interior. During the same operation in Faisalabad, the agency also recovered 195 active mobile SIMs, 16 smartphones, and 81 ATM cards associated with different banks from an individual taken into custody. Officials informed the committee that the recovered material is believed to have been linked to financial fraud targeting citizens, highlighting the growing misuse of biometric information and telecommunications resources in cyber enabled crimes. The briefing also raised concerns over the increasing sophistication of fraudulent activities that exploit stolen personal information and digital identities.
During the committee meeting, an NCCIA director explained that stolen biometric information, together with the recovered mobile SIMs, had been used to facilitate financial fraud against members of the public. The discussion also included concerns regarding the security of personal data collected during biometric verification processes. PTA Chairman acknowledged before the committee that officials working for mobile companies had been involved in incidents related to data leaks. As an example, he referred to a case in Rajanpur where a woman’s thumb impression was collected under the pretext of providing ration assistance. According to the briefing, the biometric information was later misused for unlawful activities, illustrating the risks associated with unauthorized collection and handling of sensitive personal data. The committee discussed the importance of improving oversight and protecting citizens’ biometric information from misuse.
The Standing Committee on Interior was also informed about ongoing efforts to address the misuse of mobile connections issued using false or unauthorized identities. PTA Chairman stated that authorities have blocked approximately 18 million fake SIMs that had been registered in the names of other individuals. He further informed the committee that telecom companies had collectively been fined Rs4.5 billion over issues related to SIM registration and associated compliance matters. During the session, Standing Committee on Interior Chairman Khurram Nawaz also highlighted the continued prevalence of fraudulent phone calls in which individuals impersonate courier company representatives to deceive citizens. He additionally noted that incidents involving compromised WhatsApp accounts continue to affect users, reflecting broader concerns about digital fraud and identity related cybercrime across the country.
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry also informed the committee about the existence of a “Rent a Bank Account” scheme operating in Pakistan. According to his briefing, some individuals permit others to use their bank accounts in exchange for financial compensation, enabling the movement of funds through accounts that do not belong to the actual operators. He stated that those participating in the arrangement are generally aware of the legal consequences and agree to provide access to their accounts after receiving an agreed share of the money. The discussion underscored the challenges faced by authorities in tackling organized financial fraud involving stolen biometric information, unauthorized SIM registrations, compromised communication channels, and the misuse of banking facilities. Committee members emphasized the need for continued enforcement efforts and stronger safeguards to protect citizens from evolving cyber enabled financial crimes.
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