In a decisive move against cybercrime, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), in collaboration with the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), conducted an enforcement raid at City Mobile Plaza, located in Singapore Plaza, Rawalpindi.
The action targeted the illegal sale and tampering of CPID and patched phones, which involved unauthorized IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number modifications — a serious cybersecurity offense in Pakistan.
🛑 What Are CPID and Patched Phones?
CPID and patched phones are devices that have been manipulated to change or mask their original IMEI numbers, making them untraceable and highly vulnerable to misuse in:
- 🔐 Illegal communications
- 🕵️ Criminal anonymity
- 💬 Fraudulent activity
These modifications violate national telecom laws and pose significant threats to public safety.
🕵️ Items Seized During the Raid
Law enforcement agencies seized several digital devices actively being used in the illegal operation, including:
- 💻 One laptop
- 🖥️ One CPU
- 📱 A mobile phone
These tools were reportedly used to perform unauthorized IMEI alterations.
⚠️ PTA’s Zero-Tolerance Policy
The PTA has reiterated its “zero-tolerance” stance against mobile tampering and digital fraud. In a public statement, the authority emphasized that:
🗣️ “Modifying IMEI numbers undermines national security and helps criminal networks evade detection. Such activities will not be tolerated.”
📢 Public Awareness & Reporting
The PTA has urged citizens to stay vigilant and report any suspicious mobile repair or sales activity, especially involving:
- Cloned phones
- IMEI-patched devices
- CPID modifications
📞 Report such cases to PTA or local cybercrime units immediately.
🧠 Why It Matters
In an era of digital connectivity, mobile device traceability is crucial for maintaining law and order. Illegal IMEI modifications:
- Obstruct law enforcement
- Enable untraceable criminal communication
- Violate international telecom regulations
