Security threat: FIA to investigate sale of GSM module

Terrorists can use GSM module to set off IEDs remotely.

LAHORE:

Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Director Usman Anwar said on Friday that the agency was carrying out surveillance at electronic markets to stop the sale of a device that can be used to detonate improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

He said the Counter-Terrorism Wing and the National Response Centre for Cyber Crimes had been given the task. He said the FIA was also awaiting a formal complaint from police regarding the matter. According to a notice issued by the Provincial Crisis Management Cell (PCMC) of the Punjab Home Department, a voice and data communication device readily available at electronics markets in the country can be used to detonate IEDs.

“Global system for mobile communications (GSM) module can be used by terrorists to set off IEDs remotely by merely sending a text message or a DTMF audio signal,” it said. The notice, a copy of which is available with The Express Tribune, has been sent to the Punjab Police inspector general, the capital city police officer and city, regional and district police officers in the province. It said, “The GSM module has been designed for voice and data communication and is used for many purposes.”

“The device consumes low power in standby mode and can be operated using small batteries,” it said.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 8^th, 2014.