ISLAMABAD:
A gang allegedly involved in stealing sensitive data from prominent Pakistani figures 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 director general said the NCCIA apprehended the group in southern Punjab.
“So far four persons belonging to the same family have been taken into custody. They were involved in selling personal data 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 the data leak.
He said there is a zero-tolerance policy against data leakage and sale of personal information, adding that all institutions are being informed to take strict action against those involved.
“Our citizens’ personal data is being given to foreign agencies,” he said.
Responding to reporters’ questions, he said that the Momina Iqbal case is being processed by the Lahore office and statements from both sides are being recorded. He expressed hope that the case 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 rich and poor.
He also warned that action would be taken against anyone speaking out against the state, noting that some people 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, who will?” he said. The Directorate-General further revealed that the agency currently has 480 employees nationwide and is working to improve its internal capacity.
In October 2024, a report revealed that private data of Pakistani citizens – from federal ministers and senior government officials to ordinary people – was available for sale on various websites without any government agency taking any action.
The case was once again highlighted in September last year. This time, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi took cognizance of it and directed the NCCIA to conduct an investigation.
According to the report, dozens of websites existed online where citizens’ data were openly listed for sale at fixed prices. On these platforms, mobile phone location was available for Rs500, mobile data registration 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 colored copies of citizens’ computerized national identity cards (CNICs) were also sold on these sites.
The report highlighted that criminal groups could use this data for financial fraud, deception and harm to people. In some cases, individuals may not even know that their identity card has been misused – for example, in court bail proceedings or fraudulent transactions involving property.
