PTA Raids Mobile Repair Shop Tampering IMEIs And Selling Patched Phones in Karachi

In a big enforcement action against the illegal tampering of mobile phone IMEIs and the sale of cloned/patched devices, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Zonal Office Karachi, in close coordination with the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Karachi, successfully conducted two targeted raids. The raids took place at a mobile repair shop in Saima Mobile Mall, Rashid Minhas Road, and at Rafique Mobile Shopping Center, Quaidabad, Karachi. These coordinated efforts resulted in the confiscation of laptops, desktop PCs, and specialized software used for IMEI tampering. Three individuals were arrested on-site and remain in NCCIA custody for further legal proceedings. PTA upholds a strict zero-tolerance policy against the illegal trade and manipulation of mobile device identifiers. IMEI tampering and the distribution of cloned phones pose serious threats to national security and public safety, often enabling cybercrimes, financial fraud, abductions, and other unlawful activities. PTA has urged the public to report any suspicious activity related to phone cloning or tampering. Offenders will face strict legal action under reinforced regulatory measures.