PTA Raids Mobile Shops for IMEI Tampering and Sale of Cloned Phones

With recent coordinated raids in Karachi and Mansehra, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is significantly escalating its nationwide campaign against illegal mobile phone activities. These targeted operations, conducted with the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), aim to strike networks involved in IMEI tampering and selling “patched” or cloned mobile devices, which pose substantial threats to national security and public safety.

The PTA has reiterated its commitment to a zero-tolerance policy against these illicit practices, emphasising their role in facilitating cybercrime and financial fraud and compromising the integrity of Pakistan’s active telecommunications infrastructure.

What is IMEI Tampering?

At the core of these enforcement actions is manipulating the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number. Every legitimate mobile phone is assigned a unique 15-digit IMEI, serving as its distinct digital fingerprint for identification and tracking on cellular networks.

IMEI tampering is the illegal act of altering this unique identifier. This is often done to bypass the PTA’s Device Identification, Registration, and Blocking System (DIRBS), which ensures only legally imported and tax-paid devices operate in Pakistan. When an IMEI is tampered with, it can be replaced with a cloned or fake number, sometimes even mimicking that of a legitimate, basic phone.

How Patched or Cloned Phones Enter the Market

Devices with altered IMEIs are called “patched” or “cloned” phones. They are frequently smuggled into the country without paying the required taxes and duties, and then illegally modified to function on local networks. While they might seem like a cheaper alternative, they carry significant consumer risks and are deeply linked to various illicit activities.

Details of Recent Raids in Karachi and Mansehra

The recent enforcement actions demonstrate PTA’s expanded reach and resolve:

In Karachi:

• PTA’s Zonal Office Karachi, in collaboration with NCCIA Karachi, executed two successful targeted raids.
• Operations focused on mobile repair shops in Saima Mobile Mall, Rashid Minhas Road, and Rafique Mobile Shopping Centre, Quaidabad, Karachi.
• These raids confiscated laptops, desktop computers, and specialised software for IMEI reprogramming.
• Three individuals were apprehended on-site and are currently in NCCIA custody. They face further investigation and legal proceedings under relevant laws, including the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016.

In Mansehra:

• Working closely with NCCIA Abbottabad, PTA Abbottabad conducted raids targeting mobile phone repair shops near Sufi Hotel, Lorry Adda, Mansehra.
• Like Karachi, these operations led to the seizure of desktop computers and specialised software integral to IMEI modification.
• Six individuals were arrested and taken into custody for further legal action, underscoring the severity of these offences.

What Consumers Need to Know

The PTA’s strong stance against IMEI tampering and the sale of patched phones addresses several critical issues:

National Security Imperative: Untraceable devices with manipulated IMEIs can be exploited by criminal elements for a range of illegal activities, including cybercrime, financial fraud, kidnappings, and terrorism, posing a significant threat to national security.

Economic Integrity: The proliferation of smuggled and illegally modified phones bypasses legitimate import channels and avoids tax payments, resulting in substantial revenue losses for the government.

Consumer Protection: Unsuspecting consumers who purchase these “patched” devices risk unexpected service interruptions or even complete blocking by the DIRBS system. Furthermore, these phones often lack robust security features, making user data vulnerable.

Fair Market Practices: The influx of cheaper, illegally modified devices creates unfair competition for legitimate businesses and retailers who adhere to import regulations and pay their dues, distorting the market.

Public Advisory and Ongoing Enforcement

These recent raids in Karachi and Mansehra are part of the PTA’s continuous nationwide effort to curb illegal mobile phone activities. The authority has strongly reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy against any form of IMEI tampering, the use of cloned devices, or unauthorised phone manipulation software.

If you’re buying a mobile device in Pakistan, here’s how to protect yourself:

1. Report Suspicious Activities: Citizens are encouraged to report any mobile repair shops or retailers suspected of using IMEI tampering or selling patched/cloned phones to the authorities.
2. Verify Device Authenticity: Before purchasing any mobile device, especially from unofficial sources, always verify its PTA approval status. This can be done by sending the device’s 15-digit IMEI to 8484 via SMS or visiting the official PTA DIRBS website: dirbs.pta.gov.pk. Look for the “PTA Approved” label for assurance.
3. Legal Ramifications: Both sellers and users must understand that using illegally modified or unregistered phones can lead to severe penalties under PECA 2016, including substantial fines and imprisonment.

Through sustained enforcement and public awareness, the PTA aims to foster a safer, more secure, and legally compliant mobile ecosystem for all Pakistani citizens. 

Stay informed and protect yourself by verifying your mobile device today! Follow the PTA’s updates for more information.