The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Zonal Office Lahore, in coordination with the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Gujranwala, successfully carried out two raids in Gujranwala to crack down on illegal IMEI tampering and the sale of cloned or patched mobile devices.
The first raid at Google Valley Mobile Plaza, Model Town, resulted in the seizure of 19 tampered and cloned phones and the arrest of the shop owner, according to a PTA news release.
A second raid at Musa Mobile, Main Market, Gujranwala, led to the confiscation of six tampered devices. However, the shop owner fled amidst the crowd at the scene.
Among the seized devices was one with an IMEI associated with Disney Mobile—a brand not officially available in Pakistan. The confiscated phones included popular models such as Google Pixel, OnePlus, Motorola, and Samsung S23 Ultra, all featuring reconfigured IMEIs mimicking lower-priced devices. FIRs have been registered, and investigations are ongoing.
PTA reiterates its zero-tolerance policy toward illegal modification of mobile device identifiers.
IMEI tampering and cloned phones pose serious national security and public safety risks by enabling criminal anonymity, facilitating cybercrime, financial fraud, abductions, and other offenses.
The PTA urges the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities involving mobile phone cloning or tampering.
Regulatory measures are being intensified, and violators will face stringent legal actions.
