Woman Arrested in Pakistan Over Alleged Sale of Fake WhatsApp Accounts
The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has arrested a woman in connection with an investigation into the alleged creation of fake WhatsApp accounts and the unlawful trade of activated mobile SIM cards.
According to officials, the action was taken after a complaint was received from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). The suspect, identified as Safia Afzal from Sahiwal, is accused of obtaining activated SIM cards through illegal means and using them to create WhatsApp accounts that were allegedly sold to different individuals.
An NCCIA investigation officer said the case is part of a broader inquiry into a suspected network involved in the misuse of digital identities. Authorities are continuing efforts to identify and trace other individuals who may have been connected to the alleged operation.
During the raid, investigators reportedly recovered 310 active SIM cards belonging to multiple mobile network operators, along with a mobile phone believed to be linked to the case.
Officials stated that the recovered digital devices and other evidence have been taken into custody for forensic examination and technical analysis. The ongoing investigation will examine the scope of the alleged network, review digital records, trace financial transactions, and determine whether additional suspects were involved.
A case has been registered against the suspect under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, including amendments introduced in 2025, along with other relevant legal provisions. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not announced any further arrests at this stage.
