139 platforms in data sale racket unmasked

In a major breakthrough in the inquiry into the illegal sale of Pakistani citizens' personal data, investigators are identifying 139 platforms allegedly involved in the racket, it emerged on Wednesday.

According to sources, cases are expected to be registered soon, followed by arrests of those responsible.

According to sources in the Ministry of Interior, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has completed a substantial portion of its probe into the sale of citizens' data over the internet and social media.

During the inquiry, investigators found that the illegal business was being run through 139 online platforms.

The SIT has tracked down 18 mobile applications, 17 websites and two YouTube channels allegedly selling data for money. In addition, 75 Facebook pages, 10 Instagram accounts, 12 Telegram channels and 10 TikTok accounts were identified as being directly involved in the racket.

Investigators revealed that some operators had created dedicated Facebook pages and WhatsApp groups to openly market their services, attracting buyers for stolen or leaked data.

"In some cases, even these platforms duped their own customers by taking payments and then either disappearing, shutting down numbers, or sending fake data," a source disclosed.

The NCCIA team is expected to move into the second phase of its operation soon, where formal cases will be registered and arrests made.

The probe was launched after Express News first reported on the sale of citizens' data last year in 2024, and again on September 7 this year, when it aired another report exposing a fresh leak. Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi subsequently took notice, ordering a full inquiry and directing that those responsible be brought to justice.

Following his instructions, NCCIA Director General Waqaruddin Syed formed the SIT and tasked it with completing the investigation within 14 days.

Although the team later requested, and was granted, an additional three weeks, sources said it has now completed key parts of its work and is ready to proceed.