Two MNAs lose millions in duplicate SIM-enabled bank fraud

The misuse of duplicate SIM cards and alleged sharing of banking customers’ personal information have enabled fraudsters to steal millions of rupees from accounts in Pakistan, exposing gaps in telecom and banking safeguards.

On January 12, Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) MNA Farhan Chishti discovered that his mobile connection had stopped working after a duplicate SIM was issued against his number without his request. The replacement SIM was reportedly issued in Karachi’s Malir area.

By the time Chishti reported the problem to his cellular operator, a person using the duplicate SIM had registered him for online banking, raised his withdrawal limit and transferred Rs1.5 million to accounts belonging to other individuals.

Chishti lodged a complaint with the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA). Investigators questioned the owner of the retail outlet where the duplicate SIM was issued. The retailer said a man had requested biometric verification outside the outlet, claiming his mother was unable to leave a car. How Chishti’s fingerprints were obtained remains unclear.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) fined the cellular operator Rs77.8 million, holding it responsible for the SIM issuance and citing shortcomings in monitoring and compliance.

Chishti was not the only victim. Another MNA, Shaharyar Mahar, reportedly lost Rs2 million, while Karachi businessman Sunny Kumar suffered losses of Rs8.5 million after a duplicate SIM was issued in his name in September 2025.

Kumar’s case also revealed the suspected involvement of a bank employee who had accessed his account before the SIM was issued. Investigators found that the employee had accessed around 30 accounts, with suspected fraud totalling approximately Rs25 million. He later admitted sharing customer information with an acquaintance, according to the investigation.

The PTA imposed another Rs77.8 million fine on the cellular operator in Kumar’s case. Kumar recovered his money from the bank.

According to a source familiar with the cases, similar patterns were observed in the other complaints, but investigations did not progress after the complainants focused on recovering their funds.

While the telecom operator faced financial penalties, the reported action against the banks was limited to returning the victims’ money.