The Federal Investigation Agency has launched a massive crackdown against the illegal use of international SIMs.

This was stated by the Additional Director General of the Cybercrime Wing of the FIA, Waqar-ud-Din Syed, while talking to the media in Islamabad on Friday.

He said it has been observed that criminal elements are using international SIMs to hide their identities. He said mostly pre-activated SIMs from the United Kingdom are used in the personal harassment of women, terrorism, child pornography, and financial fraud.

Waqar-ud-Din Syed said these international SIMs are easily available in the market, while some expatriates also bring them from abroad and sell them illegally in Pakistan. He warned the elements involved in cybercrimes through the illegal use of international SIMs that strict legal action will be taken against the culprits without showing any leniency.

The Additional Director General said forty-four criminals have been arrested, while over eight thousand international SIMs have been seized from them during the ongoing crackdown.