NCCIA busts gang selling citizens' data
A Reuters file image
A gang allegedly involved in stealing sensitive data of prominent Pakistani individuals and selling it to foreign agencies has been busted, National Cyber Crime 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 taken into custody. They were engaged in selling personal data of important personalities for a few thousand rupees, " he said.
Ali revealed that investigations uncovered involvement of individuals from various institutions who were allegedly providing information that enabled data leaks.
He said there is a zero-tolerance policy against data leakage and the sale of personal information, adding that all institutions are being informed to take strict action against those involved.
"Our citizens' personal data is being provided to foreign agencies," he said.
Responding to journalists' questions, he said the Momina Iqbal case is being handled by the Lahore office and that statements from both sides are being recorded. He expressed hope that the case would be concluded within a couple of days.
He added that cases involving women are a top priority for the NCCIA and stressed that the agency does not discriminate between rich and poor.
He also warned that action would be taken against anyone speaking against the state, noting that some individuals had been arrested for suggesting that Swat should become 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 personnel nationwide and is working to enhance its internal capacity.
In October 2024, a report revealed that private data of Pakistani citizensfrom federal ministers and senior government officials to ordinary peoplewas available for sale on various websites without any government authority taking any action.
The matter was once again highlighted in September last year. This time Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi took notice and directed the NCCIA to conduct an inquiry.
According to the report, dozens of websites existed online where citizens' data was openly listed for sale, with fixed rates. At those platforms, mobile phone location was available for Rs500, mobile data record details for Rs3,500 and foreign travel details for Rs5,000.
They also offered information linked to an International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number for Rs25,000 while coloured copies of citizens' computerized national identity cards (CNICs) were also being sold on these sites.
The report highlighted that criminal groups might use this data for financial fraud, deception, and harming people. In some cases, individuals might not even know that their identity card had been misusedfor instance, in court bail processes or fraudulent transactions involving property.