Gilgit: The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Gilgit has arrested a suspect allegedly involved in the illegal activation of SIM cards for their suspected use in financial fraud, identity theft and other unlawful activities.

According to the NCCIA, an inquiry, No. 46/2026, was initiated on August 5 following credible information regarding the suspected illegal activity.

During the investigation, the agency obtained a search warrant from the competent court. An NCCIA team subsequently raided a flat near NLI Market in Gilgit and arrested Muhammad Ali son of Ashraf Khan.

The raiding team recovered two smartphones, 73 basic mobile phones and 585 SIM cards from the premises. The items were taken into possession through a formal seizure memo.

Preliminary investigation indicated that the suspect was allegedly using multiple mobile phones and SIM ports for the illegal activation of SIM cards.

The accused also allegedly disclosed his involvement with his uncle, while the role of other individuals linked to the suspected network is being ascertained as part of the ongoing investigation.

A case has been registered under Sections 3, 4, 13, 14, 16 and 17 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, read with Sections 419, 420 and 109 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).

The suspect was produced before the competent court, which granted NCCIA three days' physical remand for further investigation.

The NCCIA said further investigation was underway and reiterated its commitment to dismantling networks involved in cyber-enabled financial fraud, identity theft, illegal SIM activation and other electronic crimes.