ISLAMABAD:
A gang allegedly involved in stealing sensitive data of prominent Pakistani personalities and selling it to foreign agencies has been busted, National Cybercrime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Director General Syed Khurram Ali said on Friday.
Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, the DG said the NCCIA apprehended the group in south Punjab.
“So far, four individuals belonging to the same family have been arrested. They were indulging in selling personal details of important personalities for a few thousand rupees,” he said.
Ali revealed that investigations revealed the involvement of individuals from various institutions who allegedly provided information that enabled data leaks.
He said there was a zero-tolerance policy towards data leaks and the sale of personal information, adding that all institutions were informed to take strict action against those involved.
“The personal data of our citizens is provided to foreign agencies,” he said.
Replying to questions from reporters, he said the Momina Iqbal case was being handled by the Lahore office and the statements of both parties were being recorded. He expressed hope that the deal would be concluded within a few days.
He added that cases involving women are a top priority for the NCCIA and stressed that the agency does not discriminate between the rich and the poor.
He also warned that action would be taken against anyone who spoke out against the state, noting that some people had been arrested for suggesting that Swat should be part of Afghanistan.
“If the NCCIA does not act against those who do not trust the state of Pakistan, then who will?” he said. The DG further revealed that the agency currently has 480 staff across the country and is working to strengthen its internal capacity.
In October 2024, a report revealed that the private data of Pakistani citizens – from federal ministers and senior government officials to ordinary citizens – was available for sale on various websites without any government authority taking any action.
The topic came to light once again in September last year. This time, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi took notice and ordered the NCCIA to conduct an investigation.
According to the report, there were dozens of online websites where citizens’ data was openly offered for sale, at fixed rates. On these platforms, mobile phone location was available for Rs 500, mobile data records details for Rs 3,500 and foreign travel details for Rs 5,000.
They also offered information linked to an IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number for Rs25,000 while color copies of citizens’ Computerized National Identity Cards (CNIC) were also sold on these sites.
The report highlights that criminal groups could use this data for financial fraud, deception and harm to individuals. In some cases, individuals may not even be aware that their ID card has been misused, for example during bail proceedings or fraudulent transactions involving property.
