Man arrested for selling data of millions of Pakistanis online

Modus operandi of suspect was to purchase data from black market, sell online via multiple websites he was operating

The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has arrested a man on charges of 'selling' personal data of Pakistani citizens online. The agency has also recovered a hard disk from him reportedly containing information about millions of Pakistanis, officials said on Friday.

The arrest came after Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi ordered an inquiry into reports of widespread data leaks. Following his directive, the NCCIA director general formed a special investigation committee, and after several days of inquiry, the suspect was apprehended.

The individual has been identified as Anees Ahmed Shah, a resident of Bhakkar. A case has been registered against him.

According to officials, a one-terabyte hard disk was recovered from Shah’s possession, containing sensitive data allegedly purchased from the black market. Investigators said the suspect was operating more than ten websites to sell personal information of people online.

Shah is currently under interrogation, and the agency is working to identify others who may be part of the network. Authorities said several websites involved in similar data sales are still active and are being traced.

The development follows an earlier report by Express News on September 7, which revealed that certain websites were providing access to citizens’ details — including national identity card numbers, home addresses and travel records — through mobile phone numbers. The minister took notice of the report and ordered a probe, which led to the arrest of Anees Ahmed Shah.

Officials said, further action is expected as the investigation expands.